SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, has stated that banned books should not be retained in school libraries, underscoring the administration’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of educational materials. The statement comes amidst ongoing efforts to scrutinize and curate the content available in educational institutions across the Union Territory.
Comprehensive Review of Educational Material Underway
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department and Higher Education Department have been implementing a structured framework for the academic evaluation, content verification, and periodic review of books and other educational resources. This initiative aims to ensure that all materials available in schools, colleges, and universities possess established academic merit, factual authenticity, and pedagogical relevance, while aligning with the Constitution of India and national educational policies. The framework mandates a comprehensive audit of all existing library collections, irrespective of their procurement date. Publications containing factually inaccurate, misleading, distorted, inflammatory, unlawful, or otherwise objectionable content, including material that promotes violent extremism, secessionism, or activities prejudicial to national sovereignty, are explicitly prohibited from being procured, prescribed, recommended, retained, circulated, or published within educational institutions.
Broader Context of Book Scrutiny in Jammu and Kashmir
This directive aligns with a wider crackdown on books containing potentially objectionable material in Jammu and Kashmir. Recent reports indicate that thousands of books have been withdrawn from libraries and educational institutions across the Union Territory following a comprehensive screening process. The government has examined over 2.1 million books and publications, leading to the withdrawal of approximately 4,249 titles found to contain objectionable content. Of these, a significant majority, nearly 94 percent, were withdrawn from institutions in the Kashmir division, with 253 books removed from the Jammu division. This extensive review was prompted by earlier controversies surrounding the procurement of certain books for school libraries, which were alleged to contain content favorable to separatist leaders and secessionist politics. In August 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department had formally banned 25 books, citing concerns about their promotion of “false narratives, radicalization, and secessionism.” These banned titles included works by prominent academics and writers. Separately, 518 copies of 19 titles, banned under S.O. 203 dated August 5, 2025, have also been removed from circulation. The ongoing scrutiny is a laborious exercise, and the authorities have emphasized the need for clear and objective criteria in identifying objectionable material. The objective behind these measures is to foster an environment in higher education institutions that upholds constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper, responsible citizenship, and respect for the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Official Stance on Book Content
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s assertion that banned books have no place in schools reiterates the administration’s focus on safeguarding the academic environment. This position is supported by the comprehensive guidelines issued by the School Education and Higher Education Departments, which establish a transparent, objective, and accountable mechanism for the evaluation and management of educational resources. The government’s stance underscores its commitment to ensuring that the material available to students is not only academically sound but also aligned with national values and security imperatives. The extensive review process, involving expert committees and detailed audits, reflects a concerted effort to prevent the circulation of any content that could be deemed misleading, inflammatory, or detrimental to the nation’s integrity.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
