Institutions directed to screen all publications for objectionable content, CEOs to monitor exercise, disciplinary action warned for non-compliance
Aqzar Raheel
Srinagar: In a major policy initiative aimed at ensuring educational material conforms to legal and academic standards, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has ordered a comprehensive review of all books available in government and recognised private schools, besides coaching centres, across the Kashmir Division.
The directions were issued through Circular No. 02-DSEK of 2026 dated July 6, directing all Heads of Institutions (HOIs) to undertake a thorough screening of books kept in classrooms, libraries, staff rooms and offices, irrespective of whether they are recently procured or older publications.
According to the circular, the review is intended to ensure that no educational material contains objectionable or inappropriate content. The screening will cover books that may violate religious sentiments of any community, contravene prevailing laws, undermine national interest, adversely affect educational values or established norms, or fail to comply with the age-appropriate guidelines laid down under the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020.
The Directorate has instructed institutions to prepare a detailed report in case any objectionable material is identified. The report must include the title of the book, year of publication, name of the author and publisher, and the number of copies available. Besides the screening exercise, every institution has been directed to submit a compliance certificate certifying that all books available on the premises have been thoroughly reviewed, that no objectionable material is present to the best of the institution’s knowledge, and that library collections conform to the vision and objectives of NEP-2020 and other relevant laws.
The circular fixes strict timelines for completion of the exercise. Institutions have been asked to submit their reports and certificates to the concerned Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), who will scrutinise and consolidate the reports before forwarding them to the respective Chief Education Officers (CEOs) by July 15. The CEOs have been directed to personally monitor the implementation of the exercise and submit authenticated compliance reports to the Directorate by July 17. To oversee the process, the Directorate has constituted a committee comprising the Joint Directors (Central, North and South), Additional Secretary (Law), and Officer on Special Duty (Curriculum Wing), DSEK.
The committee will compile reports received from all districts and submit a consolidated report to the Director, School Education Kashmir, by July 19. The Directorate has made it clear that any lapse in implementing the directions will be viewed seriously and may invite disciplinary action against the defaulting officers under the applicable rules.
The order applies to all government schools, recognised private schools and recognised coaching centres functioning under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, marking one of the most extensive verification exercises undertaken by the department in recent years.
