Jammu and Kashmir Libraries Face New Rules After Objectionable Books Found
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has introduced stringent rules for all educational institutions following the discovery of two books with 'objectionable' content that were distributed under a central government scheme. The books, which profiled separatist leaders and used terms like 'India Occupied' for the region, led to the suspension of eight officials and a police case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
The controversy began on July 7 when two books published under the Samagra Shiksha library grant were flagged for containing 'inappropriate' material. One book, 'Personalities and Legends of J&K' by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, and another, 'Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir' by Sushant Giri, included profiles of separatist leaders such as Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Masarat Alam, and Maqbool Bhat. The books referred to Jammu and Kashmir as 'India Occupied', 'India held', and 'India administered', and praised the leaders' roles in the region's history.
After public outcry, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Jammu province, the books were withdrawn. Around 251 copies had already been circulated to schools. The administration stated that the introduction of these books resulted from 'serious negligence, dereliction of duty and lack of proper due diligence' by a sub-committee that approved them. Eight officials, including a coordinator library, academic officer, and lecturers, were suspended. A computer assistant was also terminated from his contractual role. The authors and publishers were banned and blacklisted, with all their printed material to be withdrawn from the territory.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the UAPA, following a directive from the Lieutenant Governor's office, which noted that such content had the 'potential for creating law and order situations'. The police's Counter Intelligence unit conducted raids in Jammu and Noida, questioning officials involved in the central scheme. No arrests have been made, and the credentials of one author remain unverified.
In response, the government has implemented a new framework for evaluating, recommending, circulating, retaining, and periodically reviewing educational resources across schools, colleges, universities, and public libraries. The guidelines require that all books align with the Constitution of India, existing laws, and the National Education Policy. They warn against including books that directly or indirectly promote, glorify, legitimise, or justify terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation, or any activity prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity, integrity, and security of the nation.
A multi-tier academic and content scrutiny mechanism has been established. Vice Chancellors, college principals, chief education officers, zonal education officers, head of institutions, librarians, and school managements have been directed to ensure compliance. The government stated that any omission, negligence, or deviation from the prescribed procedures will be viewed with 'utmost seriousness'. This exercise aims to reinforce academic standards and strengthen institutional accountability.
