Srinagar, Jul 09: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has directed all government and recognised private schools, along with coaching institutes across the Valley, to conduct a thorough review of books and publications available in their institutions to ensure that no objectionable or inappropriate material is being circulated among students.
The directive comes amid concerns over the presence of literature carrying content considered harmful to educational values, national interests, or social harmony. Authorities have asked Heads of Institutions (HOIs) to examine all books, including newly acquired publications as well as older material kept in classrooms, staff rooms, offices and libraries.
According to the instructions, the screening process will focus on identifying content that may hurt religious sentiments, violate existing laws, contain material unsuitable for students, or conflict with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Officials have stressed that educational resources must remain age appropriate and aligned with accepted academic standards.
In cases where questionable content is detected, institutions have been directed to prepare detailed reports mentioning the title of the book, year of publication, author, publisher and the nature of the objectionable material. The reports must be submitted to the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEO) or Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) within seven days.
The circular also places responsibility on ZEOs and CEOs to monitor the exercise closely. ZEOs have been asked to scrutinise reports received from schools and coaching centres under their jurisdiction and forward consolidated findings to CEOs by July 15. The CEOs of Kashmir division will subsequently submit the final reports to the Directorate by July 17.
Education authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against officials who fail to comply with the directions. The department has emphasised that the exercise should be completed with due diligence and proper record keeping to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Official said the initiative is aimed at safeguarding the academic environment and ensuring that educational institutions provide students with material that supports learning, constitutional values and responsible citizenship.
