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The administration has taken a major step after books containing anti-national and inflammatory material were allegedly found in the libraries of government and private schools of Jammu and Kashmir. The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has ordered an audit of libraries of schools and private coaching institutes across Kashmir. All institutions have been asked to examine their books and submit the report within 7 days.

This matter came to light when questions were raised over the contents of two books distributed in the libraries of government schools under the ‘Samagra Shiksha’ scheme of the Central Government. These include Personalities and Legends of J&K and Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir.

It is alleged that these books contained extremely inappropriate material supporting separatism. As soon as the matter came to light, political parties and many organizations raised questions on the functioning of the government. The opposition called it serious negligence and demanded action.

As the controversy escalated, the Jammu and Kashmir administration adopted a strict stance. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, action was taken to suspend or remove from service 8 officers of the School Education Department on charges of serious negligence and dereliction of duty.

Along with this, action was also taken against the authors and publishers of these books. Oberoi Book Service of Jammu and Arora Publications of Delhi have been blacklisted in Jammu and Kashmir. Instructions have been given to recall about 251 copies of the two controversial books and remove them completely from circulation.

Considering the seriousness of the matter, Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The police have also collected physical and digital evidence by raiding the locations of the publishers. Apart from this, a high level committee has been formed for departmental investigation of the entire matter, which will have to submit its detailed report within 30 days.

Amidst the investigation, DSEK has issued a new circular ordering all government and recognized private schools as well as private coaching centers to check every book available in their libraries and premises.

According to the instructions, school heads will have to check not only the library but also the books kept in classrooms, staff rooms, offices and other parts of the campus.

The directorate has made it clear that any book which contains objectionable or inappropriate content will be identified. Special attention will be paid to content that hurts religious sentiments, violates existing laws, is against national interest, affects educational values ​​or does not meet the age-appropriate standards set by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

If any institution receives such a book then complete information about it will have to be given. The report must also state the name of the book, author, publisher, year of publication and number of copies available.

DSEK has also set clear deadlines for submitting reports. All schools and coaching institutes will have to submit their report to the concerned Chief Education Officer or Regional Education Officer within seven days of the issue of the circular.

After this, the Regional Education Officer will send his report to the CEO by July 15. CEOs of all districts will have to submit the compiled report to DSEK by July 17. At the same time, the committee of Joint Directors, Additional Secretary (Law) and Officer on Special Duty (CEW) will prepare the final report and submit it to the Director by July 19.

The administration says that the aim of this campaign is to remove any such material from schools which may have a negative impact on the students or is against the basic objectives of education. The government wants that school libraries should contain only such books which are suitable for students and are in accordance with the standards of the National Education Policy.