Associated News Bureau

LG Orders Comprehensive Audit of Educational Institutions to Check Circulation of Objectionable Literature

Srinagar, July 7: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the action taken over the circulation of books and literature containing alleged anti-national and separatist content in educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, directing authorities to undertake a comprehensive audit and strengthen oversight mechanisms. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (Power Development) Ashwani Kumar, Principal Secretary, Home, Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Additional Director, Intelligence Bureau, Pankaj Thakur, ADGP CID Nitish Kumar, and Commissioner/Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma. Officials informed the meeting about the recovery of books allegedly glorifying separatism and said those found responsible for procuring, approving or circulating such material would face legal action in accordance with the law. Taking serious note of the issue, the Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned departments to establish an effective mechanism to prevent the procurement, distribution or availability of publications, including books, journals, magazines and other literature containing anti-national, separatist or objectionable content in universities, government and private colleges and schools, as well as public and private libraries. He instructed that heads of educational institutions submit a formal declaration within a specified timeframe certifying the absence of such material in their institutions. Authorities were also directed to conduct a comprehensive audit and inspection of educational institutions to verify compliance. The Lieutenant Governor further ordered a review of the websites and digital repositories of universities and higher educational institutions, directing that any objectionable material, if found, be removed immediately. To prevent similar incidents in the future, he called for the formulation of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) governing the procurement of books and academic material for schools, colleges and universities. The proposed SoP will include a robust screening mechanism, supported by periodic random scrutiny by a panel comprising eminent educationists, intellectuals and senior officers to ensure that no material promoting anti-national or separatist narratives is introduced into educational institutions. Warning of strict accountability for any lapses, the Lieutenant Governor said the head of the concerned institution would be held personally responsible for any violations. Reaffirming the administration's commitment to protecting the educational ecosystem, the Lieutenant Governor said educational institutions must remain centres of learning, nation-building and constitutional values, adding that there would be zero tolerance for any attempt to mislead or radicalise students through objectionable literature. ANB