SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a comprehensive academic and content audit of books and other educational resources across all schools, colleges, universities and public libraries in the Union Territory, introducing a multi-tier scrutiny mechanism to regulate the procurement, circulation and retention of academic material.
The School Education Department and the Higher Education Department on Thursday issued separate circulars laying down a structured framework for evaluating books, journals, research publications, theses, dissertations, digital repositories and other educational resources available in educational institutions.
The move follows recent concerns over books available in institutional libraries and the procurement of educational material by schools, colleges, universities and public libraries in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the circulars, all government and recognised private schools, colleges and universities, as well as public libraries, have been directed to conduct a comprehensive academic and content audit of all educational resources, irrespective of when they were procured or introduced.
The government said the exercise aims to ensure that educational material possesses academic merit, factual accuracy, pedagogical relevance and educational value, while remaining consistent with the Constitution of India, existing laws, the National Education Policy, applicable regulatory norms and prescribed curricular standards.
The circulars prohibit institutions from procuring, prescribing, recommending, retaining, circulating or publishing any academic material containing factually inaccurate, misleading, distorted, inflammatory or unlawful content.
They also bar educational institutions from making available material that directly or indirectly promotes, glorifies, legitimises or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation or activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity, integrity and security of the country.
To oversee implementation, the government has established a multi-tier institutional mechanism for academic evaluation, content verification, quality assurance and periodic review. The framework provides for committees at the institutional, district, directorate, university and administrative department levels, while preserving the statutory and academic autonomy of universities in accordance with applicable laws and University Grants Commission regulations.
The circulars assign responsibility for implementation to Vice Chancellors, college principals, Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, heads of institutions, librarians, school managements and other academic authorities.
Institutional heads have been made accountable for ensuring compliance within the prescribed timelines. The government warned that any omission, negligence or deviation from the prescribed procedures would be viewed seriously.
The government said the initiative is aimed at strengthening academic standards, enhancing institutional accountability and establishing a transparent and uniform system for the periodic review of educational resources across educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
