Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stated that there is no endorsement of the proposal to include Manusmriti in the syllabus of Delhi University’s law course. Pradhan clarified that some law faculty members had proposed changes in the jurisprudence chapter, but these were not approved by the Academic Council.
He emphasised the government's commitment to upholding the Constitution and a futuristic approach, rejecting the inclusion of any controversial script.
Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh announced on Thursday that the proposal to include Manusmriti in the LLB curriculum had been rejected. This decision followed an Academic Council meeting where the matter was discussed.
The Vice-Chancellor assured that the university remains dedicated to the principles of the Constitution and dismissed the proposal to include the ancient Sanskrit text, which belongs to the Dharmasastra literary tradition of Hinduism.
The decision to reject the proposal was welcomed by various political leaders and organisations. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, expressed her approval.
She stated that strong opposition to the proposal was expected as Manusmriti is contrary to the egalitarian and welfare objectives of the Indian Constitution. Mayawati highlighted that the Manusmriti does not align with the principles on which Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar composed the Indian Constitution.
In a post on the social media platform X, Mayawati remarked that Dr. Ambedkar crafted the Constitution with a focus on the self-respect of neglected people and women, as well as on humanism and secularism. She reiterated that the Manusmriti does not match these principles and any attempt to include it in the curriculum is inappropriate.
The controversy began when information surfaced about the proposal to include Manusmriti in the Law Faculty course at Delhi University. This led to immediate inquiries and discussions between the Union Education Minister and the Vice-Chancellor. The proposal's rejection reaffirms the university’s and the government's dedication to constitutional values and educational integrity.
The Manusmriti, an ancient text, has often been criticised for its controversial views on social hierarchy and gender roles. Its proposed inclusion in a modern law syllabus sparked debates and opposition from various quarters.
The rejection of this proposal is seen as a step towards maintaining a curriculum that aligns with the progressive and inclusive values of the Indian Constitution.
This incident underscores the sensitivity around educational content and the need for curricula that reflect the principles of equality, justice, and secularism.
The university’s decision, supported by political leaders like Mayawati, highlights a commitment to these principles and ensures that the education system remains free from regressive and discriminatory influences.
The rejection of the proposal to include Manusmriti in the law syllabus at Delhi University is a significant move that aligns with the broader goal of fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking educational environment.
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