Textbook row: Prakash Javadekar terms content sexist

Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday condemned the definition of a ‘perfect female body’ in a Class 12 textbook as ‘sexist’, and has ordered action in the matter even as the private publisher has decided to stop the printing and sale of the book. 

The book, titled ‘Health and Physical Education’ has been penned by VK Sharma and published by Delhi-based New Saraswati Publication House, is taught at various schools affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). 

“I condemn the remarks in the book as sexist. The text is non-defendable and unacceptable. We have taken serious note of it. I have instructed the officers to take appropriate action in this regard,” Javadekar said.

“It is not an National Council of Educatinal Research and Training (NCERT) book but it’s by a private publisher. Action will be taken against them. We are also asking CBSE schools to follow 

NCERT books rather than private publishers in the interest of earning profit,” he added. 

The publishers also announced that they have “stopped the printing, selling and distribution of the revised book with immediate  effect.