The National Council of Educational Research and Training has introduced a new Class 9 Social Science textbook that discusses Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Ram Rajya as an ideal model of governance. The textbook presents the concept in the context of governance, public policy, responsibility and welfare.
The new book is titled Understanding Society India and Beyond Part 2. It was released on September 29, 2026, as part of the revised Class 9 learning material. The first part of the textbook was released earlier in June. The new textbook is part of the broader curriculum changes being implemented under the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
One of the chapters in the textbook is titled Governance and Public Policy. The chapter examines ideas related to governance and discusses the responsibilities of those involved in administering society. It also connects these ideas with references from Indian philosophical and literary traditions.
According to the textbook, Mahatma Gandhi visualised Ram Rajya as an ideal model of governance. The description associates the concept with probity, transparency, compassion, welfare and a people centric approach to governance and public policy.
The textbook places Gandhi’s interpretation within a broader discussion of Indian traditions concerning governance. It refers to the idea that governance should be connected with the welfare and interests of the people rather than being understood only as the exercise of political authority.
The chapter also cites the Sanskrit expression Prajasukhe sukham rajnah, prajanam cha hite hitam. The textbook explains this as meaning that the happiness of the ruler lies in the happiness of the people and that the ruler’s interests are connected with the interests of the people.
The concept of Rajdharma is also discussed in the chapter. In the context presented by the textbook, Rajdharma relates to the duties and responsibilities associated with governance. The discussion uses references from Indian traditions to explain how governance has historically been connected with responsibilities towards society.
The textbook refers to the Ramayana and the 16th century Ramcharitmanas while discussing Ram Rajya. It presents the concept as an example of good governance and collective life within the context of these traditions.
The chapter also draws on references from the Mahabharata and Vedic tradition. It discusses the broader idea that governance involves responsibility towards society and is not limited to the authority exercised by a ruler.
According to the textbook’s discussion, good governance can be considered in terms of peace, prosperity, justice and the well being of society. These themes are presented as part of the broader discussion on governance and public policy.
The inclusion of Gandhi’s views on Ram Rajya comes within a larger chapter rather than being presented as a standalone political discussion. The chapter examines governance through several historical and cultural references and connects those ideas with public responsibility.
The textbook also places emphasis on the relationship between governance and the welfare of citizens. The discussion of public policy examines how decisions taken by governments can affect society and why responsibility towards people is an important element of governance.
The new Class 9 Social Science textbook is part of a wider restructuring of school textbooks under the revised curriculum framework. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 and the National Education Policy 2020 have provided the framework for changes in school education and learning materials.
The revised Class 9 Social Science curriculum covers multiple areas of social science, including history, geography, political science and economics. The new textbook aims to combine these areas while introducing students to different aspects of Indian society and its development.
The release of Part 2 follows the earlier publication of Part 1. The two books form part of the updated learning resources being introduced for Class 9 students.
The new textbook has also attracted attention because of its references to India's national and institutional traditions. A separate section discussed the origins of the national motto Satyameva Jayate and the Supreme Court motto Yato Dharmastato Jayah, connecting them with ancient Indian texts.
The references in the textbook are intended to introduce students to historical and cultural ideas while discussing concepts relevant to contemporary governance. The treatment of Ram Rajya is therefore presented within the wider educational discussion of public policy, responsibility and good governance.
For students, the new chapter provides an opportunity to examine different ideas about how governance has been understood in Indian traditions. The discussion includes concepts related to public welfare, justice, transparency and responsibility.
The textbook’s description of Gandhi’s Ram Rajya is specifically presented as Gandhi’s vision of an ideal governance model. It should therefore be understood as a description of his political and social thought rather than as an announcement of a current government system or policy.
The reference also does not mean that the textbook is introducing Ram Rajya as a separate constitutional form of government. Instead, the concept is discussed as part of a chapter examining principles and ideas associated with governance and public policy.
The new textbook is expected to be used by students following the revised Class 9 curriculum. Teachers and schools can use the material to introduce students to different historical perspectives and concepts relating to governance.
The NCERT textbook portal provides access to official school textbooks and related learning materials. Students and teachers are advised to refer to official NCERT resources for the latest versions of textbooks and curriculum materials.
Overall, the new Class 9 Social Science textbook places Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of Ram Rajya within a wider discussion of governance. It connects the concept with values such as transparency, compassion, welfare and public interest while also drawing on references from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Vedic traditions.
The discussion forms part of the revised Class 9 curriculum introduced under NEP 2020 and NCF SE 2023. The textbook therefore combines historical and cultural references with lessons on governance and public policy for students studying Social Science.
