Jammu and Kashmir: Govt. Suspends 8 Officials Over 'Pro-Separatist' Books in School Libraries

Following allegations over objectionable content related to separatism in two government-approved school library books, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday, July 4, suspended eight Education Department officials and blacklisted two authors and publishers.

The administration also removed two books that were approved for government school libraries in Jammu and Kashmir and ordered an investigation into the matter. The books were allegedly found to contain references related to separatism and militants.

Eight Education Officials Suspended

Eight personnel, including principals, academic officers, lecturers, and library coordinators, were suspended by the Education Department over alleged negligence in the selection and approval process of the books. During the suspension period, the officials will remain attached to the School Education Department.

A contractual computer assistant working under Samagra Shiksha and assisting the Library Coordinator was also terminated with immediate effect.

Two Books Under Controversy

The two books are Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir, written by Dr. Sushant Giri and published by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan, and Personalities and Legends of J&K, written by Hilal Ahmed and Santosh Meena and published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu.

The controversy began after concerns were raised over books circulated in government schools under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. It was alleged that the books presented separatist figures in a positive manner.

The books reportedly contain references to figures including Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, co-founder of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat, and other separatist figures.

Books Distributed Across Government Schools

According to the government order, 123 copies of Personalities and Legends of J&K were supplied to schools in Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies of Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir were delivered to schools in Jammu and Baramulla districts.

The Education Department stated in its order that the books contained "highly improper material" and that there was "serious negligence, dereliction of duty and lack of proper due diligence" while recommending such books. The department added that the content had the potential to create law-and-order issues.

High-Level Inquiry Ordered

The government has constituted a high-level inquiry headed by Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar, who has been asked to submit a report within 30 days.