Debate over Sex and Gender in NCERT: The Teacher’s Manual Controversy
The debate over cultural appropriation is older than we think. It includes many themes and topics of interest; one such topic is the ongoing controversy over the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) teacher’s manual over defining “gender” (biological difference) and “sex” (socio-cultural difference). This widespread debate is stressing on the importance of including gender-sensitive topics such as differentiating between sex and gender, and raising awareness among fellow teachers and tutors. At the same time, the critique argues that promoting such a topic is itself a promotion of toxic Western gender ideology which conservatives refuse to accept. The 2014 SC judgement in the case National Legal Service Authority vs. Union of India mandated the inclusion of gender education and sexuality education in the school curriculum in India. The manual titled “Training Material for Teacher Educators on Gender Equality,” which was started in the year 2013, is available on the NCERT website. According to this module, understanding stereotypes, common gender perceptions and gender relations, and their roles will create a moral and aware society through education. One needs to know that this manual is made especially for teachers, not students. It focuses first on the fact that SEX is natural, while GENDER is a socio-cultural construct that is variable and can be changed or reoriented.
This later focuses on the matter of concern, which was based on the plea by a class 12th student seeking the integration of transgender-inclusive comprehensive sexuality education into school curricula all over the country. In response, the NCERT council claimed to address the issues by developing these modules for teachers. Additionally, capacity-building programs, including those concerning gender issues, especially related to transgender individuals, include gender-neutral toilets, uniforms and ending the designation of activities in accordance with the gender of the students.
In accordance with the critique, the inclusion of such a program will lead to corruption of Indian audiences; it is rather a form of social engineering that makes people comply more towards the Western liberal perspective and destroy their own good minds. According to them, using science as a means to make a cultural shift is unacceptable to societal values. Whereas the remarks over this issue took a positive flight when doctors and educators themselves praised the textbooks, calling them a means to end the stereotypical chains of gender bias and promote women's development. To disintegrate the status quo, it is important to promote such topics in education so that the young minds can shape their own identity.
The petition is submitted to the Supreme Court to recognise the rights of transgender people, making them visible in the educational framework in accordance with their evident rights of liberty and equality, providing justice and proposing a well-established society that is aware of stigma, patriarchy and social exclusion, and also capable of eradicating them. The next court hearing is expected to be held on February 6, 2026. It would be interesting to know how this debate would affect the actions of the council in the future.
