NCERT Engages Private Agency for Crisis Management Amid Textbook Controversy
After Facing Flak Over Class 8 Textbook, NCERT To Get Agency To 'Handle Crisis' For Rs 7.5 Crore | Exclusive
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In response to criticism over a controversial Class 8 textbook section, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) plans to hire a private agency for media management at a cost of ₹7.5 crore (approximately $900,000 USD). This initiative aims to improve crisis communication and enhance outreach for digital education initiatives following a Supreme Court reprimand.
- 01NCERT faced backlash for including a section on 'corruption in the judiciary' in its Class 8 textbook.
- 02The Supreme Court ordered a ban on the textbook and criticized its content as a 'deep-rooted conspiracy.'
- 03NCERT plans to hire a private agency for ₹7.5 crore to manage media and crisis communication.
- 04The agency will support NCERT's digital education initiatives and ensure timely responses on social media.
- 05This move aims to create a credible contingency plan for handling future crises.
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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in India is set to engage a private agency for media management following significant backlash over its Class 8 textbook, which included a controversial section on 'corruption in the judiciary.' The Supreme Court criticized this content, labeling it a 'deep-rooted conspiracy' and ordered a ban on the textbook, prompting NCERT to issue an apology and withdraw copies. To prevent future crises, NCERT plans to spend ₹7.5 crore (approximately $900,000 USD) on a private agency that will assist in media advocacy and crisis communication. This agency will help enhance outreach for digital education initiatives such as PM eVIDYA and DIKSHA, and will be responsible for managing social media interactions, ensuring queries are addressed within 24 hours, and monitoring public sentiment in real-time. The initiative aims to build a comprehensive media strategy aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and to proactively handle any negative perceptions.
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This initiative aims to improve NCERT's public image and communication strategy, which could affect students and educators relying on NCERT materials.
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