By Admin 
- The administration also ensured a comprehensive audit of all educational material.
The administration has taken a big step after books containing controversial material were allegedly found in the libraries of government schools in Jammu and Kashmir. Along with the arrest of three publishers in the case, investigation has also been started on the books present in universities and public libraries. The administration says that there can be no place in educational institutions for any material which promotes terrorism, separatism or anti-national ideas.
During investigation, it came to light that a book named ‘Personalities and Legends of J&K’ was also present in the Central Library of Jammu University for the last few years. This book was purchased for the library on the demand of the Political Science Department. After the controversy escalated, the university administration removed it from the library and sealed it as a precaution. At present, no official comment has been made by the department on this matter.
Why were questions raised on the book?
There are allegations against this book that it has glorified some separatist leaders and persons associated with extremism. The police acted on this basis and arrested the concerned publishers. Officials say that the contents of the book are being thoroughly investigated and the process by which it was delivered to schools and libraries is being ascertained.
How did the book reach the university?
According to reports, this book was first published in the year 2017. Later, on the basis of demand from students and researchers, it was purchased for the university library. University officials say that the purchase of books is done as per the prescribed rules. Departments first send demands, then books are purchased from authorized vendors. Officials also said that the book in question was issued by very few students.
Now the entire academic system will be investigated
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has started a comprehensive audit of the educational material available in all government colleges, universities and public libraries. Apart from books, research papers, journals, theses, dissertations and digital materials will also be included in this investigation. The objective is to ensure that no material exists in any institution that promotes terrorism, extremism, radicalism or separatism.
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What did the university administration say?
University officials say that the book purchasing process is completely transparent and all books are purchased from authorized vendors. However, he also admitted that it is not possible to read the contents of thousands of books completely before purchasing them. Books are generally selected on the basis of publishers’ catalogs and the demand of students or researchers.
How did the controversial books reach schools?
Investigation has revealed that the version available in the university and the version reaching government schools were published by different publishers. The copies sent to schools were distributed under the Samagra Shiksha Yojana of the Central Government. After the controversy regarding these copies came to light, the police started action.
More than 250 copies reached government schools
According to officials, more than 250 copies of the two controversial books had reached the libraries of government schools in many districts including Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban and Baramulla. After this, the government constituted a high level committee under the chairmanship of a senior officer to investigate the entire matter.
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