NCERT Punjabi textbook published with errors, union education minister urged for accountability

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has addressed a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, bringing attention to several errors in a Punjabi textbook published by the NCERT. In his correspondence, Sandhwan highlighted critical spelling mistakes and factual inaccuracies found in the book 'Punjabi Primer', which is intended for Balvatika/Anganwadi-level children and adult literacy programs.
Such fundamental mistakes not only misguide young learners but also undermine the effectiveness of literacy initiatives for adults, he said in a statement.
He stressed the need for educational materials, particularly foundational learning books, to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and authenticity.
Sandhwan urged the minister to initiate an immediate review and revision of the textbook by qualified Punjabi linguistic experts and scholars to ensure correct and reliable content.
He also emphasised the need for a strict editorial and quality-checking process for all future publications by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to prevent such errors.
Ensuring error-free learning materials is crucial for the success of foundational education and literacy programmes, he said.