From schools to libraries, crackdown on anti-national content tightened in Kashmir; DSEK ordered investigation

Kashmir School Books Inspection: The Directorate of School Education in Kashmir has directed to inspect the books available in all schools, private schools and coaching institutes under its jurisdiction. This involves examining all the books (whether recently purchased or old). Under this, action will be taken in office, classroom, staff room and school library etc.

This decision has been taken after news of distribution of separatist ideas and anti-national books in educational institutions of the state came to light. The Directorate of School Education, Kashmir (DSEK) has issued a circular regarding this.

All books will be checked

The circular issued by the Directorate of Education said that all heads (HOIs) of government schools, recognized private schools and coaching institutes under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, are directed to thoroughly check all the books (whether recently purchased or old) present in their jurisdiction. This includes offices, classrooms, staff rooms and school libraries etc.

Instructions to check books in schools, private institutions and coaching centers of Kashmir (Photo Source-AI)

Action will be taken on such content

In the circular issued by the department, it has been said that the purpose of this investigation is to ensure that no book contains inappropriate or objectionable material. This includes material that may offend religious sentiments of any class, be inappropriate for students, or be against existing laws and which is likely to harm the national interest, affect educational values, or violate established rules. Additionally, all content must be in line with the age-appropriate guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The directorate gave these instructions

According to the circular, if any objectionable material is found, the HOI will have to prepare a detailed report containing the following key information:

• title of book
• year of publication
• Name of author and publisher
• number of books

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The Directorate informed that HOIs of all government institutions and recognized private institutions (including coaching centres) are directed to complete this work with utmost care, maintain correct records of investigation, strictly follow these instructions within the stipulated time limit and submit compliance report/certificate to the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEO) or Zonal Education Officer (ZEO).