J&K Colleges: Over 4,700 Books Withdrawn After Content Review, 21.8 Lakh Publications Screened
The J&K government has examined 21.81 lakh books and publications and withdrawn 4,249 books following content scrutiny. In addition, 518 copies of 19 banned titles were removed, while 1,752 books have been sent for expert examination. The review of educational material is still underway.
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The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn 4,249 books from circulation in colleges and higher educational institutions after reviewing their content, while 518 copies of 19 already-banned titles have also been removed.
The figures were shared by the Higher Education Department in a written reply to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The department said that 21,81,582 books and publications have been examined so far as part of an ongoing scrutiny exercise.
Over 21 Lakh Books Examined
According to the department, 12,48,641 books and publications were examined in the Kashmir division, while 9,32,941 were reviewed in the Jammu division.
Of the books withdrawn following the scrutiny, 3,996 were from Kashmir and 253 from Jammu. The department said the review process is still underway and may take more time.
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1,752 Books Sent for Expert Review
The government has also referred 1,752 books to the Director of Colleges for expert examination. These include 1,214 books from Kashmir and 538 from Jammu.
The department said it has adopted what it described as a clear and objective criterion for identifying objectionable material in books available in colleges and other higher educational institutions.
Why Is J&K Reviewing College Books?
The scrutiny follows directions issued by the education department and universities in July to review books and other educational material available in institutions across the Union Territory.
The government said higher educational institutions are expected to promote constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper and responsible citizenship, while respecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
The wider review began after a controversy surrounding the procurement of two books for school libraries. Following the controversy, authorities ordered a broader audit of educational material in institutions and libraries across J&K.
Scrutiny Process Still Underway
The Higher Education Department has said the examination of books is a continuing process and that further publications may be reviewed before the exercise is completed.
The government has also set up a three-tier academic and content scrutiny mechanism involving the college, directorate and administrative department levels for reviewing educational material.
The withdrawal of the books has also led to questions in the Assembly, with legislators seeking details about the titles, authors and criteria used to remove publications from circulation.
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Anjali is an education journalist with over a year of experience in digital and business journalism. She has previously worked with BW Businessworld and ANI, where she gained experience in news writing, editing, research, and fact-checking. At Jagran Josh, she writes education news and covers competitive exams and current affairs, with a keen interest in delivering accurate, informative, and reader-focused content. She holds a BA from Miranda House, University of Delhi, and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). Anjali enjoys reading and exploring new ideas and perspectives through books.
