NCERT Class XII text book drops 'Anti-Muslim' from passage about Gujarat riots

In a decision, which is likely to generate political controversy, the 'anti-Muslim' reference has been deleted from passage about Gujarat riots from NCERT class XII Political Science text book. 

The new revised text book hit the shelf recently and has excluded the reference of 'anti-Muslim' in context of 2002 Gujarat riots from one of the chapters, according to reports. Hindustan Times and The Indian Express has reported that  changes have been made in the chapter titled "“Politics in India since Independence”.

'Anti-Muslim' reference has been removed from the sub-head and the word 'Muslim' has been deleted from the first line of the passage about the Gujarat riots. The rest of the text is kept unchanged and it has critical observations about the state government of the day for failing to control the riots. NCERT has branded the changes as minor. This is first revision of NCERT text books since 2007 when UPA government was in power. 

According to official figures, 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus were killed in the 2002 riots which became a talked about issue globally. The riots started after 58 kar sevaks were charred to death travelling by Sabarmati express in Godhra.

According to reports, decision to amend the text was taken at a course review committee meeting where both NCERT and CBSE offficials were present last year. “This review is an ongoing process and before every reprint we do incorporate new acceptable feedback and also update the information with the latest developments.” HT quoted senior NCERT official as saying.