The references to freedom fighter and India's first education minister Maulana Azad in class 11 NCERT textbook were dropped way back in 2013 and should not be linked to the curriculum rationalisation exercise undertaken last year, the National Council of Educational Research and Training has said. �� NCERT Clears Air Over References to Maulana Azad in Class 11 Textbook Dropped in 2013, Says ‘Should Not Be Linked With Current Rationalisation’.