Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has ordered a comprehensive review of all library books available in government and private schools, as well as coaching centres, across the Jammu division.
The move comes in the wake of the recent controversy surrounding the approval of books for school libraries.
According to a circular issued by the Director School Education Jammu, all Heads of Institutions (HOIs) have been directed to examine every book—both newly procured and existing publications—available in classrooms, libraries, offices and staff rooms to ensure that no objectionable or inappropriate content is being used in educational institutions.
The circular states that the exercise is aimed at identifying any material that may violate religious sentiments, prevailing laws, educational values or established norms.
“All reading material must conform to age-appropriate guidelines and the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020,” the circular states.
The DSEJ has instructed institutions to prepare a detailed report wherever objectionable content is found, mentioning the title of the book, its author, publisher and the number of copies available.
As part of the directions, all government and private schools and coaching centres have been asked to submit a compliance certificate to their respective Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), certifying that all books have been thoroughly examined, no objectionable material exists on the premises, and that library collections conform to NEP 2020 guidelines.
“Institutions identifying objectionable material must attach a detailed report along with the compliance certificate,” the circular reads.
The Directorate has also laid down a timeline for the exercise. Schools have been directed to submit reports, wherever required, to the concerned ZEOs by July 13. The ZEOs will scrutinise the reports and forward consolidated district-wise reports to the respective Chief Education Officers (CEOs) by July 15.
The CEOs, after verifying the reports received from the ZEOs, have been directed to submit certified compliance reports to the Directorate by July 17.
The Directorate has made the CEOs responsible for monitoring the implementation of the exercise and ensuring strict compliance with the directions.
Additionally, a committee comprising the Joint Director (Jammu) and the Joint Director (Elementary Education) has been constituted to compile district-wise reports and submit a final consolidated report to the Director School Education Jammu.
The circular also warns that any lapse in implementing the directions will be viewed seriously, and disciplinary action will be initiated against defaulting officers under the applicable rules.
