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Title: Regarding derecognisation of the Marxism theory from school syllabus by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

PROF. A.K. PREMAJAM : Sir, I would like to bring to the notice of this august House, the Government and the entire nation that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has derecognised Marxism from school syllabus in the country. This syllabus covers nearly 5,300 schools located all over India and abroad. There is no rationale behind this decision as the other political theories like Fascism, Liberalism and Gandhism continue to be there in the syllabus. This decision has been taken in a very dubious and clandestine manner. This is not informed at any level and is done without any discussion. I cannot understand the rationale behind this. I would like to ask the Government whether this is the way -- a highly intolerant and fanatic way -in which they are going to take the country into the new millennium. I would like to know from the Government as to what is wrong with Marxism. I would like to get an explanation from the Government on this. Are they going to wipe out Marxism from the rest of the world? Marxism is one of the philosophies of life where every person tries to be taken on the same level and on the same equation.

SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Sir, this is a matter of Education. I hope, the matters relating to Education are not being treated in a partisan or political manner. A news report has appeared in `The Hindustan Times"" of today that the Central Board of Secondary Education has omitted Marxism as one of the political theories from the curriculum of the course. Although Liberalism, Socialism, Fascism and Gandhism will continue in the curriculum. Sir, it appears that the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education is not aware of this change. But Principals of some schools have said that they have got a copy of the new syllabus and there, Marxism has been omitted.

13.03 hrs (Mr. Deputy-Speaker in the Chair) SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Sir, I am saying that if the Government thinks that they can obliterate Marxism altogether from the world as a political theory, I believe that they are sadly mistaken.

Is it the policy of the Government of India that they will try to force even Marxism out of the curriculum of the students? I know how it is being done in educational sphere dealing with the research work like the Council of Historical Studies and so on and so forth. I know how the RSS people are being put in there very selectively. Even non-attached intellectuals are being weeded out. We would like to know whether it is the continuation of the same policy by which even Marxism as a political theory is being brought out of the curriculum of the CBSE.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Hon. Speaker has associated your name also. He read out your name. But it is not necessary that everyone has to say something. Shri Somnath Chatterjee has already spoken.

... (Interruptions)

SHRIMATI GEETA MUKHERJEE (PANSKURA): Mine was the second notice and I want only two minutes. I gave my notice at nine o""clock. ... (Interruptions)

He said that Marxism is to be seen nowhere in the world today. Let me tell him that China adheres to Marxism and Cuba, the most heroic republic, also follows Marxism. Is keeping Fascism on the agenda the way to guide the education of the students? Why should Marxism be taken away or derecognized?