Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 14:52 IST

NCERT rejected claims that the textbook promotes vegetarianism, stating that nowhere in the book is vegetarianism explained or justified, nor is non-vegetarian food opposed.

NCERT clarified that its language textbooks are named after major rivers of India. (AI Image)

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has responded to concerns raised by the People’s Alliance for Fundamental Right to Education (PAFRE) regarding its new Class 6 Kannada textbook, ‘Krishna’, introduced as the third-language textbook for CBSE schools under the three-language policy.

PAFRE had alleged that the textbook does not adequately represent Karnataka’s cultural and linguistic diversity. The organisation also criticised its nutrition chapter for allegedly focusing on vegetarian food while excluding commonly consumed items such as eggs, fish, and meat. It objected to the textbook’s title, arguing that it could introduce religious or mythological undertones into school education.

Responding to these concerns, NCERT clarified that its language textbooks are named after major rivers of India. According to the Council, the Kannada textbook was named ‘Krishna’ after the Krishna River, one of the major rivers flowing through Karnataka. NCERT pointed out that other language textbooks follow the same naming pattern, with the Hindi textbook titled ‘Ganga’, the English textbook titled ‘Kaveri’, and the Urdu textbook titled ‘Jamuna’ (Yamuna).

Addressing the criticism related to the nutrition chapter, NCERT stated that the concept of a balanced diet is covered in Chapter 6 of the textbook and is discussed separately under the heading “Balanced Diet” on page 63. The Council further noted that the illustration accompanying the lesson includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items.

NCERT also rejected claims that the textbook promotes vegetarianism, stating that nowhere in the book is vegetarianism explained or justified, nor is non-vegetarian food opposed.

The clarification comes after PAFRE demanded changes to the textbook, including renaming it and revising the nutrition chapter. The organisation had also questioned the role of Karnataka’s Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) in the development of the textbook and urged authorities to adopt existing Kannada textbooks such as Tili Kannada for CBSE schools in the state.

NCERT’s response seeks to address concerns surrounding the textbook’s content and title, maintaining that both are consistent with the Council’s broader academic and publishing approach.

NCERT also flagged a fake Class 9 Social Science textbook circulating on social media. It stated that the viral textbook is being falsely presented as an NCERT publication. The Council emphasised the importance of verifying the authenticity of any study material before accepting it as genuine.

NCERT reiterated that all its textbooks are published through an official release process. No textbook is printed, distributed, or made available to the public before its formal release. Students, teachers, and parents have been advised to rely only on books obtained from authorized NCERT sources and avoid materials shared through social media, unauthorised websites, or other unofficial channels.

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