Sexist textbook: CBSE complains to cops against private publisher

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has lodged a police complaint against a private publisher regarding a class 12 Physical Education textbook defining "36-24-36" as perfect female body shape.

Noting that the content of the book is inappropriate and not in sync with the curriculum decided by the National Council of Research and Training (NCERT), the Board has also constituted a review committee.

The book titled "Health and Physical Education" written by V K Sharma and published by Delhi-based New Saraswati House, is taught at various schools affiliated to CBSE. The CBSE, however, clarified that it "does not recommend any books by private publishers in its schools".

"Taking strong exception of the indecent depiction of women and misrepresenting the syllabus prescribed by CBSE for Class XII Physical Education Course, the board has registered an FIR under Section 6--Indecent representation of women (Prohibition) Act, 1986," CBSE spokesperson said. "The board neither subscribes nor encourages irrelevant, sexist or derogatory references to any gender specially women."