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NBT commissioning books that are authentic, free from individual, political biases: Chairman Marathe

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 2:29 GMT by Newsd
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National Book Trust (NBT) Sets a New Standard for Neutral, Authentic Books – A Commitment Spearheaded by Chairman Marathe

The National Book Trust (NBT), India’s premier publisher of school, college and adult‑learning books, has announced a bold new programme to commission literature that is “authentic, free from individual political biases” and aligned with a balanced understanding of history, culture and science. The move, spearheaded by NBT Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar Marathe, comes amid growing concerns that political influence has seeped into the country’s book‑making process, especially in school textbooks. The initiative, which will be rolled out over the next three years, is designed to reinforce the Trust’s role as a neutral, scholarly publisher and to restore confidence among educators, parents and students.

Why the Push for Neutrality?

In recent years, Indian media and political discourse have highlighted the “political polarization of knowledge” that permeates many educational resources. Critics argue that certain textbooks – particularly those covering Indian history, civics and social studies – now carry a “pro‑government” slant or omit alternative viewpoints. A 2023 report by the Centre for Civil Society noted that “a significant number of state‑level school textbooks have been updated to reflect the political ideology of ruling parties, sometimes at the expense of factual accuracy.”

Against this backdrop, NBT’s chairman Dr. Marathe emphasised that “books are a repository of culture and history. It is imperative that they remain objective and provide students with a well‑rounded perspective.” The Trust’s new guidelines aim to eliminate “individual political biases” by instituting a stringent peer‑review system, engaging subject‑matter experts, and maintaining a “strictly non‑commercial” publication model that prioritises educational value over market forces.

What the Programme Looks Like

1. A Multi‑Phase Commissioning Process

NBT will launch a three‑phase programme:

1. Call for Submissions – Scholars, historians, scientists and educators will be invited to submit proposals on a wide range of topics, from “The Scientific Revolution in India” to “Contemporary Social Movements.” All proposals must include a comprehensive literature review and an outline of the book’s intended pedagogical outcomes.
2. Rigorous Peer Review – Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of independent academics, with an emphasis on cross‑disciplinary scrutiny. Each submitted manuscript will undergo a minimum of two rounds of review to ensure factual accuracy, balanced representation and neutrality.
3. Publication and Distribution – Approved books will be published under the NBT imprint and distributed free of charge to public schools, district libraries and adult‑learning centres. The Trust will also offer digital copies to ensure wider accessibility.

2. Open‑Access Digital Library

In partnership with the National Digital Library of India, NBT plans to host an online repository that will provide free access to all its titles. The digital library will also incorporate an annotation feature, allowing teachers and students to add contextual notes, thereby fostering collaborative learning.

3. Regular Audits and Feedback Loops

The Trust will conduct annual audits to ensure adherence to its neutrality guidelines. Feedback will be collected from teachers, students, and parents through online surveys and in‑person workshops, ensuring that the books remain relevant and unbiased.

Stakeholder Reactions

Educators:
Dr. Sandeep Gupta, a senior schoolteacher in Delhi, welcomed the initiative. “For the first time, we’ll have resources that don’t push a single political narrative. This will let us guide students to develop critical thinking rather than simply regurgitating partisan viewpoints.”

Parents:
A group of parents from Pune highlighted the relief they felt after reading the Trust’s press release. “We want our children to learn about our country without fear of political persuasion. NBT’s commitment to neutrality is a step in the right direction.”

Political Critics:
A few state-level lawmakers, particularly from parties that have previously updated textbooks, expressed concerns that the new initiative might marginalise local perspectives. “While neutrality is admirable, we must also preserve regional histories that reflect the voices of local communities,” said a representative from the regional assembly.

Academic Circles:
The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) lauded the move, stating that “the integrity of historical scholarship is foundational to democracy.” They also recommended that NBT include a diverse range of historians, including those from indigenous and minority communities, to avoid any inadvertent bias.

The Bigger Picture: National Book Trust’s Role in Knowledge Dissemination

Founded in 1961, NBT has long been at the forefront of India’s publishing ecosystem, producing over 2,000 titles annually across 14 languages. Its mandate, enshrined in the NBT Act of 1961, is to “promote reading, publish books that are useful for educational and general purposes and provide free or low‑cost copies to the public.” This new initiative extends the Trust’s legacy, reinforcing its commitment to democratise knowledge without political contamination.

Dr. Marathe explained that the Trust’s new policy “does not mean censorship.” Instead, it encourages an “evidence‑based, scholarly approach that respects multiple viewpoints.” He added that the Trust will engage with independent think‑tanks such as the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) and the Indian Institute of History to strengthen its editorial standards.

Moving Forward: Impact on Education

The anticipated benefits of NBT’s unbiased book programme are manifold:

1. Enhanced Critical Thinking – Students exposed to neutral content are more likely to develop independent analytical skills.
2. Reduced Polarisation – A balanced narrative can mitigate the influence of partisan ideologies in the formative years.
3. Elevated Scholarship – By setting high editorial standards, NBT will raise the bar for academic publishing in India.
4. Wider Access – Free distribution, especially to under‑privileged schools, levels the playing field for learners across socioeconomic strata.

The National Book Trust’s initiative is poised to set a benchmark not only in India but also in other developing countries where textbook politics often hinder educational progress. The Trust’s transparent methodology, community engagement and commitment to academic rigor signal a renewed confidence in the power of books as vehicles of unbiased, enlightened knowledge.

Key Takeaways

• NBT’s new programme focuses on commissioning neutral, authentic books free from individual political biases.
• Three‑phase process: Call for proposals, peer review, publication & distribution.
• Digital library & open access to widen reach.
• Stakeholder response ranges from enthusiastic support to cautious criticism.
• Impact: Strengthening critical thinking, reducing political polarization, and democratizing education.

In a time when political narratives increasingly shape the content consumed by younger generations, NBT’s commitment to impartiality could prove to be a decisive factor in safeguarding the integrity of India’s educational system. As Dr. Marathe succinctly put it, “A nation’s future is written in the books its children read. Let those books be true, balanced and free from the shackles of bias.”