SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn a controversial book from government school libraries following objections over its content and has ordered an inquiry to determine how the publication was approved and distributed, official sources said on Saturday.
Sources said the decision was taken after the School Education Department examined complaints alleging that the book contained references deemed objectionable and inappropriate for students.
Following the review, the department ordered the recall of all copies of the book from government schools and issued directions to ensure that it is removed from school libraries.
The government has also initiated departmental proceedings to identify officials involved in the selection, approval, procurement, and circulation of the publication. Responsibility will be fixed based on the findings of the inquiry, sources added.
The book, Great Personalities and Legends, was supplied to government schools under the Samagra Shiksha scheme in June this year and was withdrawn on July 3 after complaints were received.
The issue sparked controversy after the opposition BJP alleged that the book presented separatist leaders and individuals linked to militancy in a favourable manner.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma called for the immediate withdrawal of the book, a high-level investigation, and action against those responsible for approving its inclusion in school libraries.
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had neither read nor heard about the book and would offer his remarks only after going through its contents. (KNS)
