Education – Kashmir Schools Ordered to Review Books for Objectionable Material
Education – The Jammu and Kashmir government has asked schools and coaching centres across Kashmir to examine books kept on their premises following concerns over certain titles reportedly promoting militancy and separatism. The direction applies to government schools, recognised private institutions and coaching centres operating in the Valley.
Schools asked to inspect all available publications
In a circular, the Director of School Education, Kashmir, instructed Heads of Institutions to carry out a detailed review of books available in school libraries, classrooms, offices and staff rooms. The screening will cover both newly purchased titles and older publications already held by institutions.
The department said the exercise is intended to ensure that books accessible to students do not contain material considered inappropriate or objectionable. School heads have also been asked to maintain proper records of the review process and follow the instructions within the prescribed period.
Focus on age suitability and legal standards
According to the order, institutions must identify material that may offend religious sentiments, conflict with educational values or include content unsuitable for students. The review will also consider whether any publication goes against existing laws or could adversely affect national interest.
The circular states that all reading material should comply with age-appropriate learning standards outlined under the National Education Policy 2020. School authorities have been directed to assess whether books are suitable for students at different academic levels and consistent with accepted educational norms.
Reports required for questionable material
If an institution finds content that requires further examination, the head of the school or coaching centre must prepare a brief summary of the relevant material. A detailed report must then be submitted to the concerned Chief Education Officer or Zonal Education Officer within seven days.
The government has made it clear that the review is not limited to library shelves. Books and printed material kept in administrative offices, teaching spaces and staff areas will also fall under the screening process.
Education officers assigned monitoring role
Chief Education Officers have been asked to personally supervise the implementation of the directive in their respective areas. They will compile reports received from schools and submit a consolidated compliance report to the Director of School Education, Kashmir, within eight days.
The move comes amid public discussion over the presence of two books in government school libraries that were alleged to contain content glorifying militancy and separatist ideas. The education department has not named the books in the circular, but the broader instruction seeks to establish a uniform review mechanism for educational institutions.
Large-scale exercise across the Valley
The order will affect a substantial number of institutions across Kashmir. Official figures show that the Valley has around 10,787 government schools and 2,386 recognised private schools. The review is therefore expected to involve thousands of school libraries and other spaces where books are stored or used.
Education officials are expected to coordinate with school managements to ensure that the screening is completed within the timeline set by the department. Institutions have been advised to treat the matter as a compliance requirement and submit records when requested.
The directive places responsibility on school heads to ensure that reading material available to students supports educational objectives and remains appropriate for their age group. It also reinforces the government’s emphasis on monitoring school resources in line with national education policy guidelines.