Srinagar, Jul 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a controversial book from all government school libraries and initiated action against those responsible for its approval, procurement and circulation following allegations that it contained anti-national content.
Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma said all copies of the book, titled Great Personalities and Legends, have been recalled from schools and proceedings have been initiated against officials involved in its publication, approval, procurement and distribution.
“The book has been withdrawn. Action is being taken against all concerned,” Sharma said.
The controversy erupted after the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Forum (JKPF) alleged that the book, supplied to school libraries under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, glorified separatist leaders and terrorists by portraying them as “great personalities” and “legends” of Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue gained political attention after Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma demanded the book’s immediate withdrawal, a high-level inquiry, and action against those responsible, alleging that it promoted an anti-national narrative.
According to the School Education Department, the publication was supplied to schools in June 2026 and was withdrawn on July 3.
The government’s decision comes amid criticism from opposition parties and several organisations over the book’s inclusion in school libraries.
School Education Minister Sakina Itoo was not available for comment when the report was filed.
