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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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
