DCPCR asks NCERT to modify, replace one particular chapter in Class IX English textbook. This is why

"Chapters such as this is a self-defeating exercise to that end," said panel's Chief Anurag Kundu
Pic only for representational purpose (Pic credits: Express)
Pic only for representational purpose (Pic credits: Express)

The Delhi Commission For Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has asked the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to modify or replace a chapter in a Class IX English textbook, claiming that it normalises "violent masculinity", depicts women in "stereotypical ways and teaches children to accept violence at home", as stated in a report by PTI. Giving more details about the chapter, the panel's Chief Anurag Kundu said the chapter titled 'The Little Girl' narrates the story of a girl Kezia, who is scared of her father and is constantly threatened by him to a point that it starts impacting her speech. 

Taking this issue to Twitter, Kundu wrote, "I have written to @ncert Director advising removal of the chapter 3 titled "The Little Girl" of class IX English textbook as it normalises violent masculinity, perpetuates patriarchy and promotes toxic behaviour in the family." No immediate reaction was available from the NCERT.

What does the story in the chapter say?
As per the story, Kezia's grandmother asks her to prepare a gift for her father as his birthday is around the corner. She prepares a pin cushion but stuffs it with papers which contain a speech her father is supposed to deliver at an event. On finding out about this, the father beats her up, but the grandmother asks her to forget the incident. In the night, while sleeping beside her father, Kezia "realises" that the father works too hard to be playing with her, and that explains his frequent anger. She forgets about the incident and forgives him, informs the DCPCR. 

Following this, the panel said it has consulted with gender experts over the chapter and concluded that "it is deeply problematic". It stressed that Kezia's grandmother and mother are portrayed in stereotypical ways. 

Letter to NCERT
This is what was mentioned in the letter to the NCERT director read: "Both women are docile, unable to stand up to the father when he beats or screams at Kezia. The mother is shown as an enabler of the abuse and patriarchy in the house.... The grandmother is kind and compassionate, lovingly soothes her granddaughter, but never defends her... Her grandmother, being an elder, is shown as powerless in front of her son."

"It teaches children to accept violence at home because the father works too hard... The material does not empower girls in any way, and in fact, provides harmful examples that girls and young women can forgive perpetrators of violence while boys can learn that they will be forgiven even if they are violent... All characters seem to be stuck in a psychologically unsafe environment," the letter added. 

Kundu stressed that textbooks play an important role in shaping young minds as they grow up to challenge the notions of misogyny and violence. "Chapters such as this is a self-defeating exercise to that end. Therefore, I request your kind intervention to either modify the chapter suitably or replace the chapter from the textbook for the 2023-24 academic year onwards," he added.

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