Congress repeats demand for textbook withdrawal

Kochi, Jul 17 (UNI) Expressing reservation over the recommendations of the expert committee constituted by the Kerala Government to look into the controversial textbook, Congress Spokesperson M M Hasan today reiterated his party's stand that the government should withdraw the Standard VII Social Science textbook from the curriculum.

Speaking to mediapersons here, Mr Hasan said the observations made by the expert committee headed by Mr K N Panikkar were limited to just one chapter. There were more shortcomings in the textbook.

He alleged the textbook belittled the national freedom movement and its leaders and was trying to infuse communist ideology and anti-religious sentiments in the students.

Mr Hasan noted that the expert committee appointed by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) to examine the textbook gained prominence as Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan had promised the state curriculum committee would consider its recommendations.

On the Indo-US nulcear deal, Mr Hasan said the deal was in that the interest of the nation and assured it would not affect the country's foreign policy.

He also noted that India was still a strong votary of non-aligned movement.

UNI MA GM AKJ RK1516