NCERT's Covid-19 modules glorify PM Modi’s pandemic management, omit death toll: Report
New Delhi: New Covid-19 reading modules developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) reportedly laud Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during the pandemic but omit any mention of the death toll.
The release of these educational materials comes shortly after the latest government data showed that Covid deaths was six times higher than official figures released in 2021, as reported by The Telegraph on Thursday. According to the Civil Registration System data published on May 7, approximately 21 lakh more deaths were recorded in 2021 compared to the Centre’s claim of 3.3 lakh Covid-related fatalities for that year.
The apex textbook-preparing body has developed four Covid-19 modules as additional reading material for students across different age groups—ranging from pre-school to Class XII. However, none of them mention the pandemic's death toll or reflect the widespread suffering endured during India’s devastating Covid waves.
The middle school (Classes VI to VIII) module, titled “An Indian Perspective of Prevention and Management of Covid-19”, credits PM Modi with initiating early preventive steps. “He requested the citizens to follow certain measures to ensure the containment of fast fast-spreading virus,” the text, as cited by The Telegraph, read.
It then discussed the 21-day nationwide lockdown announced on March 24, 2020, describing it as a move by “the Indian Government,” notably omitting Modi’s name.
The module, according to the report, also praised Indian scientists for developing a Covid-19 vaccine within a short span of time and stated that “Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian scientists and launched the vaccination drive through video conferencing.”
Additionally, the module mentioned an economic stimulus package announced by Modi but reportedly offered limited insight into the hardships faced by scores of people during the lockdown imposed during the global pandemic.
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Bihar govt to constitute 100 fast-track courts to expedite disposal of criminal cases: Home min
Patna (PTI): Bihar Home Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday announced that the state government will establish 100 fast-track courts (FTCs) to ensure the swift disposal of pending cases.
He said that the move also aims to ease the burden on regular courts for them to accord due attention to sensitive cases.
Choudhary said the decision in this regard has been made considering that over 18 lakh cases are pending before different courts in the state.
The constitution of FTCs will "bring in a big relief" to the judicial system and litigants, he said.
"To operationalise 100 FTCs across 38 districts and sub-divisions, the government will undertake large-scale recruitment," the home minister asserted in a statement.
He said that a total of 900 posts, including those of bench clerks, office clerks, stenographers, deposition writers, data entry operators, drivers, process servers and peons, will be filled.
Choudhary also announced that 79 courts will be designated as 'act courts' to fast-track cases related to the Arms Act. Swift resolution of such serious cases, he said, will strengthen law and order in the state.
The minister said that Patna alone will get eight fast-track courts, while four courts each will be set up in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Bhagalpur. Three FTCs each are planned for Nalanda (Bihar Sharif), Rohtas (Sasaram), Saran (Chhapra), Begusarai, Vaishali (Hajipur), East Champaran (Motihari), Samastipur and Madhubani.
Similarly, two courts each will be established in West Champaran (Bettiah), Saharsa, Purnea, Munger, Nawada, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Kaimur (Bhabhua), Buxar, Bhojpur (Arrah), Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Banka, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai and Khagaria. One FTC each is also proposed for the sub-divisional courts of Naugachia and Bagaha.
