The nation’s academic community is witnessing a significant development as three experts, engaged by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), have moved the Supreme Court to challenge the ban imposed on them by the NCERT’s association. Prof Michel Danino, Suparna Diwakar, and Alok Prasanna Kumar, who were part of the NCERT’s team as experts, have been at the receiving end of a severe backlash, which ultimately led to their suspension. While the NCERT association has cited reasons of alleged conflict of interest and other grievances, the three experts strongly deny these allegations, calling for a fair and transparent inquiry.
Background and Allegations
The controversy surrounding the three experts dates back to their involvement in the NCERT’s curriculum review process. Prof Danino, an expert on ancient Indian history and culture, had been working with the NCERT to revise the syllabus of the class 6 history textbook. Suparna Diwakar, a historian, was also part of the team that was reviewing the NCERT’s social science curriculum, while Alok Prasanna Kumar, an expert on law and governance, had been engaged to advise on the NCERT’s curriculum development process.
The NCERT association, which represents the interests of NCERT’s employees, had been critical of the three experts’ involvement in the curriculum review process. The association alleged that the experts had conflict of interest, as they were also involved in other projects and initiatives that were related to education policy and curriculum development. Furthermore, the association claimed that the experts had not followed the proper protocol and procedure while working on the NCERT projects.
Challenge to the Ban
The three experts, who are now challenging the ban in the Supreme Court, have denied all the allegations levelled against them. They claim that they had followed all the proper procedures and protocols while working on the NCERT projects. Prof Danino, in a statement, said that he had been working with the NCERT for several years and had always maintained the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Suparna Diwakar also denied any conflict of interest, stating that she had been transparent about her other projects and initiatives. Alok Prasanna Kumar, who has been a vocal critic of the NCERT association’s actions, said that the ban was a clear attempt to muzzle their voices and stifle their efforts to contribute to the nation’s education policy.
The three experts have filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the ban imposed on them by the NCERT association. They have sought a stay on the ban and have requested the court to direct the NCERT association to hold a fair and transparent inquiry into the allegations levelled against them. The outcome of the petition is eagerly awaited, as it has significant implications for the nation’s academic community.
Implications and Future Course of Action
The challenge to the ban imposed by the NCERT association has significant implications for the nation’s education policy and the role of experts in the curriculum development process. If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, it could set a precedent for other academic bodies to take similar action against experts who are perceived to be a threat to their interests. On the other hand, if the court stays the ban or directs the NCERT association to hold a fair inquiry, it could pave the way for a more transparent and inclusive curriculum development process.
The future course of action will depend on the outcome of the petition. If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, the three experts may consider filing an appeal or seeking relief in other forums. However, if the court stays the ban or directs a fair inquiry, the three experts may continue to work with the NCERT, contributing their expertise to the nation’s education policy.
The nation is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the petition, as it has significant implications for the nation’s academic community and the role of experts in the curriculum development process.
