Jammu, July 7: In the wake of the recent controversy over library books, the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has ordered a comprehensive review of all books available in government schools, private schools and coaching centres across the Jammu division. As per the official circular, Heads of Institutions (HoIs) have been directed to examine every book, including newly procured and existing publications kept in libraries, classrooms, offices and staff rooms, to ensure that no objectionable, inappropriate or unlawful content is available in educational institutions. The exercise aims to identify any material that may violate religious sentiments, prevailing laws, educational values or the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with all reading material required to be age-appropriate and fully compliant with NEP guidelines. Institutions have been instructed to prepare a detailed report if any objectionable content is found, mentioning the title, author, publisher and number of copies of the book, while every school and coaching centre must submit a compliance certificate through the respective Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), certifying that all books have been thoroughly examined and no objectionable material exists on the premises. Schools have been directed to submit their reports by July 13, ZEOs will forward consolidated reports to Chief Education Officers (CEOs) by July 15, and CEOs will submit district-wise certified reports to the Directorate by July 17. The Directorate has made CEOs responsible for monitoring the exercise, while a committee comprising the Joint Director (Jammu Range) and Joint Director (Elementary Education) will compile district-wise reports for final submission to the Director. The DSEJ has also warned that any negligence or failure to comply with the directions will invite strict disciplinary action against the concerned officials under the applicable rules.
Leave a Reply