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SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR (Ballia, U.P.) : Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have little knowledge about history. I could not understand for what matter such a long discussion is going on here.

An opinion can be given on the question, in which some facts were mentioned, raised by Shri Shivraj V. Patil and Shri Mulayam Singh ji but it is very difficult to give any opinion on other things because what a historian has written, cannot be presumed as true for ever. I have neither read such concept about history, nor it is the concept of history. The historians write from time to time as per their circumstances and understanding. An officer of NCERT showed me that book and I had gone through it. Most of the additions, which have been made to that book are in the same form as have been recommended in the report of S.B. Chavan Committee. In my opinion, Shri S.B. Chavan cannot be in favour of Saffronisation.

So far as the matter of Rajasthan is concerned, it is definitely a serious one. We will request the hon’ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs to discuss the matter with the people there. If they are adamant on old things, it is wrong.

There can be a debate on 4-5 questions raised by Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra. A discussion can be held on the matter, whether the people in that era when they wandered in the forests, used to eat beaf or not. It can be written by a historian and he can also carry out analysis on this matter but it is not good to teach such things to a student of eight class and if it is taught in today’s circumstances, unnecessary controversy will be created in the country.

Try to understand that all people have sentiments. Shri Somnath ji, I, therefore, tell you that their book has not been banned but on that basis it cannot be proper, in any way, to teach such things to the students of eight class. The Minister of Human Resource Development does not have right to change any investigation or research work but it is his right to stop such things which may create tension and lead to conflicts. He should give equal importance to both the sides. If there is a controversy, take 3-4 members of this House who have deep knowledge of history and both the parties can place their views before them. Thereafter a decision can be taken. But as a common man, I think, if the students of seventh and fourth standards are taught whatever is there in research works, nobody can save this country from breaking.