Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn a controversial book from government school libraries following objections over its content and ordered an inquiry to determine how it was approved, procured and distributed, official sources said on Saturday.
The decision was taken after the School Education Department examined complaints alleging that the book contained references considered objectionable and unsuitable for school students.
Following the review, the department directed that all copies of the book be recalled from government schools and removed from library shelves.
The government has also initiated a departmental inquiry to identify officials involved in the selection, approval, procurement and circulation of the publication. Responsibility will be fixed based on the findings of the investigation, sources said.
The book, Great Personalities and Legends, was supplied to government schools under the Samagra Shiksha scheme in June this year. It was withdrawn on July 3 after complaints were received regarding its contents.
The issue triggered a political controversy after the opposition BJP alleged that the book portrayed separatist leaders and individuals linked to militancy in a favourable light.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma demanded the immediate withdrawal of the book, a high-level probe into its inclusion in government school libraries, and strict action against those responsible for approving it.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier said he had neither read nor heard about the book and would comment only after examining its contents.
