SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has directed a comprehensive screening of all books and study material in government schools, recognised private schools and coaching centres across the Kashmir division to identify and remove content deemed inappropriate, objectionable or prejudicial to religious sentiments and national interest.
According to a circular issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Thursday, all Heads of Institutions (HoIs) have been instructed to conduct a thorough review of books available in offices, classrooms, staffrooms and libraries, including both newly acquired and older publications.
The circular states that the exercise is aimed at ensuring that no book contains material that may violate the religious sentiments of any section of society, include content inappropriate for students, contravene prevailing laws with the potential to harm national interest, or undermine educational values and established norms. It also directs that all books must conform to the age-appropriate guidelines prescribed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Heads of institutions have been asked to prepare a detailed report if any objectionable material is found, mentioning the title of the book, year of publication, author, publisher and the number of copies available.
The circular further requires all institutions to submit a compliance certificate to the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEO) or Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), certifying that all books have been reviewed and that, to the best of their knowledge, no objectionable material exists on the premises.
The administration has set July 13, 2026, as the deadline for submitting reports on objectionable content to the concerned CEO or ZEO. Zonal Education Officers have been directed to scrutinise and consolidate reports from schools and coaching centres under their jurisdiction and submit them to the respective CEOs by July 15.
Chief Education Officers will thereafter forward the compliance certificates and consolidated reports to the Directorate of School Education Kashmir by July 17.
A committee comprising the Joint Director (Central/North/South), Additional Secretary (Law) and Officer on Special Duty (CEW) of DSEK has been constituted to collect district-level certification reports and submit a final consolidated report to the Director by July 19.
The Directorate has warned that any lapse in complying with the directions will be viewed seriously and may invite disciplinary action against the defaulting officers.
