DSEK orders review of books in schools, coaching centres across Kashmir

Srinagar, Jul 09: In a latest development, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has ordered a review of all the books in government and private educational institutions besides the private coaching centres across Kashmir. As per the fresh circular instructions, all the government and recognised private schools besides private coaching centres in Kashmir have been directed to undertake a comprehensive screening of all books available on their premises to ensure that no “objectionable or inappropriate material” is in circulation. Also, all the Heads of Institutions (HOIs) have been instructed to examine books kept in offices, classrooms, staff rooms, libraries and other institutional spaces. The DSEK circular reads that the exercise was aimed at identifying material that may violate religious sentiments, contravene prevailing laws, harm national interest, affect educational values, or fail to conform to the age-appropriate guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Directorate has directed all the institutions to submit detailed reports provided any objectionable content is detected. “The reports must include the title of the book, year of publication, name of the author and publisher, and the number of copies available,” the DSEK circular reads. All HOIs have also been asked to furnish compliance certificates and declare that all books have been thoroughly reviewed and “no objectionable material” is present in the premises to the best of their knowledge, and that library books conform to NEP 2020 guidelines and other relevant laws. As per the DSEK circular, the educational institutions or coaching centres identifying objectionable content must submit reports to the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEO) or Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) within seven days of the issuance of the circular. Further, ZEOs have been directed to scrutinise and consolidate the reports and forward them to the CEOs by July 15. The CEOs of all districts in Kashmir have been instructed to submit the certificates and consolidate reports to DSEK by July 17 of 2206. Meanwhile, a committee comprising Joint Directors of DSEK, the Additional Secretary (Law), and the Officer on Special Duty (CEW), has been constituted to compile a final consolidated report for submission to the Director by July 19. As per the circular, DSEK has warned the educational institutions and coaching centres that any lapse in compliance will be viewed seriously and may invite disciplinary action against the defaulting officials under the applicable rules. The order has been circulated to all Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, Principals of DIETs, heads of government and private schools besides the management of recognised private institutions and coaching centres across Kashmir for “immediate implementation.”