Chattisgarh Class 10 Textbook Teaches Kids That 'Working Women Cause Unemployment'

A class X social science textbook that says "working women are one of the causes of unemployment in country" has resulted in a controversy with a young teacher in Jashpur district confronting government about the kind of education being given to school children.

"Does it mean that percentage of unemployment is measured on parameters keeping only men in mind? "

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In one of the chapters in a Hindi text book, published by Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE), on economic problems and challenges, it is explained that percentage of unemployment after independence has increased as women have started working in all sectors.

Soumya Garg has petitioned state women's commission against the content arguing that women have equal rights to employment. An Union minister was in the eye of storm for saying that girls wanting a night out is not acceptable in India, in a similar sexist remark. Raising a serious concern, Soumya says, "Does it mean that percentage of unemployment is measured on parameters keeping only men in mind? In the age of technology and gender equality, students can't be taught about such prejudices. Women have equal right over jobs with men." She had filed a complaint with women commission about a month ago but is yet to get a reply.

This isn't the first time social science textbooks screwed up

Women's commission member Harshita Pandey said, "Commission will acknowledge the issue immediately and agreeing on the objection, I would personally write to Chief Minister and education minister to consider the matter. Women are an integral part of human resources, who are equally competent to men. They can't be held responsible for unemployment in country." Prominent educationist Dr Jawahar Surisetti recollected that it wasn't the first time that content of CGBSE textbooks have been questioned as they are not scrutinized rigorously and qualitatively. "It is a deliberate attempt to instill archrival mentality among students which is highly objectionable. Such content shouldn't reflect in textbooks and should be removed immediately," he said adding that it may impact students' broader perspective.

When contacted, state council for educational research and training (SCERT) director Sanjay Ojha said, "It's a matter of debate. It was a writer's view from his experience. Now, it is a teacher's job how they explain things to students and ask students for their view whether they agree or not." Ojha said the content was originally written in 2006-07 which has been produced as it is. It cannot be removed immediately and could be considered for review in the next academic session.

Reacting to the controversy, state Congress spokesman Shailesh Nitin Trivedi labeled the content as deliberate and anti-women that promotes feudalistic mentality among children, instilling gender discrimination.

(Originally published in the Times of India)