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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CM Siddaramaiah warns of possible rainfall dip, stresses uninterrupted drinking water supply
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said there is a possibility of a five per cent decrease in rainfall this year and asked officials to ensure that drinking water supply is not affected.
The CM gave these instructions at a meeting of additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, and secretaries of all departments held at Vidhana Soudha.
“There is a possibility of a five per cent decrease in rainfall this year. District in-charge secretaries should constantly monitor the drinking water situation in their districts. Meetings should be held with deputy commissioners and zilla panchayat chief executive officers in this regard,” Siddaramaiah said.
“It is the responsibility of the respective secretaries to resolve the problems of the districts under their jurisdiction. Drinking water supply should not be affected for any reason,” his office quoted him as saying in a statement.
Pointing out that B R Ambedkar had warned against officials appeasing politicians, as it could lead to dictatorship, the CM asked officials to work within the framework of the law.
“Give suggestions to ministers within the scope of the law. Bringing a good name to the government depends on the work of the secretaries,” he said, adding that the administration should be made more agile.
Siddaramaiah said the role of departmental secretaries is crucial for the proper functioning of the state administration, as recognised in the Constitution. “It is the duty of all secretaries to act in accordance with the Constitution. They should not do anything against it,” he said.
Referring to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, Siddaramaiah said Patel had emphasised in the constituent assembly that secretaries should fearlessly and independently convey their views to ministers and not hesitate to speak the truth, even if it displeases them.
He urged senior officials to express their opinions fearlessly, independently, and truthfully.
The CM said implementing budget announcements is the responsibility of officials, noting that 15 announcements from last year’s budget are yet to be implemented. “Who is responsible for this?” he asked.
The government made a total of 565 announcements in this year’s budget, including 218 new ones, he said, adding, “It is the responsibility of officials to implement all budget announcements within the same year. They should not remain unimplemented for any reason. Bring any practical difficulties in implementation directly to my notice or that of the chief secretary.”
Out of the announcements in the 2026-27 budget, government orders have been issued for only five, he said.
“All government orders should be implemented, and execution should begin by May; otherwise, the respective secretaries will be held responsible.”
Siddaramaiah said delays in addressing public grievances could erode people’s trust in the government.
“This should not be allowed. Similarly, applications received under Sakala (a government initiative to guarantee services to citizens within a stipulated time) should be disposed of on time.”
Stating that immediate steps should be taken to fill vacant sanctioned posts, he said the finance department has approved the filling of 24,300 posts.
“There are 32,132 posts pending in cadres related to Kalyana Karnataka, and the recruitment process has not yet begun. The revision of cadre and recruitment rules is pending in some departments and should be completed at the earliest,” he said.
Under various centrally sponsored programmes, the state government released its share of Rs 22,768 crore in 2025–26, while the Centre released Rs 16,729 crore. Siddaramaiah said Rs 11,367 crore is still pending from the Centre.
He also directed officials to ensure that grants are utilised within the stipulated period.
Highlighting that contracts worth up to Rs 2 crore have been reserved for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe contractors, the chief minister said such reservations should not be bypassed by bundling works into larger packages.
“All works should be completed within the stipulated time. Construction costs should not escalate due to delays,” he added.
The chief minister also launched the new “Karnataka Progress Portal” and a handbook related to monitoring schemes, approvals, and inter-departmental coordination.
