SRINAGAR: In the wake of the controversy over alleged anti-national and separatist content in books supplied to government schools, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has reconstituted committees to conduct a fresh verification of all books procured under the Library Component (2025–26) for schools across the Union Territory.
The order comes a day after two books supplied to government schools, libraries triggered widespread outrage over alleged glorification of separatist figures and objectionable content.
According to the Order issued by J&K – SED, issued by the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha, stated that, the decision has been taken in pursuance of Government Order No. 257-JK(Edu) of 2026 dated July 4 and following the disbanding of the earlier committees amid the recent controversy regarding objectionable content in certain books.
The order stated that separate verification committees have been constituted for Jammu and Kashmir divisions, comprising coordinators from Samagra Shiksha along with lecturers nominated by the Directors of School Education and Academic Officers nominated by the Director SCERT, J&K.
The committees have been tasked with thoroughly re-verifying the content of books supplied by various publishers and ensuring that “not a single objectionable word lies in these books.”
It further states that since no payment has yet been released to publishers under Samagra Shiksha, the payment will only be made after the committees authenticate the content and certify its veracity.
The committees have also been directed to ensure that the books promote constitutional values, national integration, scientific temper and balanced historical perspectives. They will conduct random verification of books supplied to different districts and submit their reports within 30 days.
The issue was first raised publicly by BJP leader and MLA Sham Lal Sharma, who questioned the inclusion of the content in books meant for school libraries, prompting criticism from several political parties and civil society groups.
Following the controversy, Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma (IAS) earlier as per JKNS said that the department had already withdrawn the books and initiated action against those responsible, while assuring that accountability would be fixed after a detailed inquiry.
Subsequently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter, suspended eight officials of the School Education Department, removed a contractual employee, and directed strict action to ensure that no such content finds place in educational material supplied to government schools in future.
Meanwhile, the Counter Intelligence wing of J&K Police is also investigating the matter after registering a criminal case and have raided several places in Jammu and Noida. (JKNS)
