Srinagar, Jul 04: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday ordered suspension of eight officials of School Education Department (SED) for procuring and approving two textbooks containing ‘inappropriate’ content for school children.
According to the news agency, Commissioner Secretary School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma in an order said that on the orders of LG Sinha eight officials of the department have been placed under suspension with immediate effect.
Sharma in the order said that Samagra Shiksha got the Library Grant for procurement of ‘Age Appropriate Books’ for 18,328 Government Schools and 394 PM SHRI School and accordingly EOI was floated
“For selection of Age Appropriate Books, 4 Sub Committees of Experts, Academicians from both Jammu and Kashmir Divisions were constituted for selection of Library Books,” it reads.
It also said that these sub committees are for Primary Classes Series (1), Upper Primary Classes Series (2),Secondary Classes Series (3) and Higher Secondary Classes Series (4).
“These four Sub Committees selected 463 books submitted by 364 publishers. Out of these books, two books have been noticed on 03.07.2026 to have inappropriate content,” it reads.
The Commissioner Secretary further said, “Accordingly, these books were withdrawn. These two books include ‘Personalities and Legends of J&K’, authored by Hilal Ahmad and Mr Santosh Meena, published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu and ‘Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir’ authored by Dr Sushant Giri, published by Anurag Prakashan, Delhi.”
“It has been observed that 123 number of books at Serial-I were supplied to Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur Districts and 128 number of books mentioned at Serial-II were supplied to Jammu and Baramula Districts,” reads the order.
Sharma also said that it has come to the notice of the department that these books have highly inappropriate content, it is quite evident that there was serious negligence, dereliction of duty and lack of proper due diligence was carried out by the members of the Sub Committee Series-IV and Supervisory Officers while recommending such books which contained content related to separatism which has potential for creating law and order situations
“Keeping in view the above facts and circumstances of the matter, the members of the Sub Committee Series-IV appear to be responsible for such serious lapses and negligence of government servants,” it reads.
“Therefore, the officials and supervisory staff of the School Education Department in terms of Rule 31(1)(a) Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification. Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, are placed under suspension, with immediate effect,” the government ordered.
It also ordered that during the period of suspension, they shall remain attached with the administrative department of the School Education Department.
Furthermore, the government ordered the disengagement of Computer Assistant (Contractual) assisting the Coordinator Library, Samagra Shiksha with immediate effect from his contractual engagement.
Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter and misconduct of these officials, the government appointed Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department appointed as Inquiry Officer to conduct an enquiry into the matter.
Besides, the government appointed Rohit Sharma, JKAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department as the Presenting Officer in the case.
“The Inquiry Officer shall submit his report to the Competent Authority within 30 days,” it reads.
The government also ordered ban and blacklisting of these authors and publishers in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Furthermore, any printed material authored or published by them shall also be withdrawn from the Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” reads the order—(KNO).
Ban controversial book, probe: LoP
Jammu Tawi: BJP Leader of opposition Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma along with MLA Dr Narinder Singh, Chief Spokesperson Advocate Sunil Sethi and Zorawar Singh addressing a press conference expressing deep concern over the contents of the book “Great Personalities and Legends of JandK (Series 4)”, at BJP office, in Jammu.Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu, Jul 4: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Saturday demanded an immediate ban on a controversial book allegedly circulated in government school libraries, accusing the Education Department of promoting “anti-national” content and seeking a high-level investigation into its approval and distribution.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sharma alleged that the book, Personalities and Legions of J&K, published by Paradise Publishers, glorifies separatists, terrorists and stone-pelters while portraying India in a negative light.
Describing the publication as lacking educational and historical value, he termed it an attempt at “academic subversion” aimed at influencing young minds.
Sharma alleged that the book was approved by a committee constituted by the Education Department before being supplied to government school libraries.
“The book should be banned with immediate effect. Those responsible for approving, publishing and distributing it must be identified and held accountable,” he said.Jammu Local News
The BJP leader demanded a comprehensive probe into the matter, alleging that senior officials, including those at the ministerial level, should be brought under its ambit.
He also sought the immediate dismissal of the Education Minister, alleging that the department had committed a “serious lapse” by allowing the book into government schools.
Referring to decisions taken during the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, Sharma said nearly 25 books carrying similar content had earlier been withdrawn or banned, and urged the government to adopt a similar approach in the present case.South Asians & Diaspora
Replying to queries from reporters, Sharma alleged that the publication describes individuals convicted or accused in terror-related cases as “martyrs” while ignoring the sacrifices of security personnel.
He reiterated his demand for action against the authors, publishers, distributors and members of the committee that approved the book.
Sharma further urged the Jammu and Kashmir government and investigating agencies to examine the matter without delay and initiate appropriate legal action against those found responsible. (KNO)
