Class 9 students to learn personal income tax as NCERT adds it to new textbook
NCERT's new Class 9 textbook explains tax slabs under the new regime and how tax liability is calculated, alongside lessons on managing personal money.
The NCERT has included personal income tax in the Class 9 syllabus. The new textbook, "Understanding Society India and Beyond - Part 2", stresses teaching children the basics of money management. Students will now be introduced to subjects such as income and tax as part of school education.
The book sets out the tax slabs under the new income tax regime and explains how tax liability is actually calculated. According to NCERT chief Dinesh Prasad Saklani, this is the first time students at this level, that is Class 9, are being taught to compute income tax on the basis of the new tax slabs.
The book also says that paying tax honestly and on time is an important responsibility of citizens. Children are thus being made aware of their duty as citizens, and not just taught arithmetic.
A chapter titled "Managing Your Personal Income" says that an understanding of money can be developed from childhood. It describes income, spending, saving, investing, protection from risk, borrowing responsibly and paying tax as the main aspects of personal finance. Topics such as health insurance, savings and investment will also be taught.
The new tax regime has been in force as the default regime since April 1, 2023. Eligible taxpayers can still opt for the old regime. The book has been printed about six months after the academic session began.
The book also features the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, presented as an example of financial protection for low-income families. Overall, the book links health insurance, tax and personal money management to larger financial responsibilities.
