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The issue of books containing controversial content reaching government schools in Jammu and Kashmir has taken a big administrative turn. In fact, following the instructions of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the School Education Department took immediate action and suspended 8 officers. Apart from this, a contract employee has also been removed from service. The government says that in the preliminary investigation, such material has been found in the books, regarding which serious objections have been raised. For this reason, orders have been given for a detailed investigation into the matter.

This entire controversy started when some social organizations alleged that some persons associated with separatism have been presented as prominent personalities in two books that reached the libraries of government schools. After the matter came to light, the Education Department first ordered recall of these books from all the schools and now action has been started against the responsible officials.

Objectionable material found in two books

Actually, according to the government, these books were purchased for the libraries of government schools under the ‘Samagra Shiksha’ scheme. Under this scheme, age-appropriate books were selected for thousands of government schools and PM Shri schools of Jammu and Kashmir. For this, expert committees were formed, which prepared the list after reviewing the books sent by various publishers. Later, during the investigation, after objectionable material was found in two books, it was decided to withdraw them immediately. The government says that the authorities concerned did not take necessary precautions during the scrutiny and selection of books.

Publishers blacklisted in Jammu and Kashmir

In fact, on this basis, a total of eight people including Samagra Shiksha Officer, Principal, Lecturer and Academic Officer have been suspended. Besides, the services of a contract employee assisting the library coordinator have also been terminated. The government has decided to blacklist the authors and publishers of both the books in Jammu and Kashmir and also review their other published materials.

The government has appointed a senior IAS officer as the investigating officer to investigate the entire matter. They have been directed to submit a detailed report within 30 days. The report will make it clear at what level of negligence took place in the process of selection, approval, purchase and distribution of books and who is responsible for it. After completion of the investigation, departmental and legal action can also be taken against the officers found guilty.