Kashmir Impulse Desk

Kulgam, July 4

Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday ordered a time-bound inquiry into the inclusion of controversial content in two books procured for government school libraries under the Centre-sponsored Samagra Shiksha programme, saying those responsible would face legal action.

The minister’s announcement came hours after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha suspended eight School Education Department officials, ordered a separate administrative inquiry and blacklisted the authors and publishers of the two publications after authorities said the books contained material relating to separatist figures that was inappropriate for use in schools.

Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, Itoo described the controversy as “intolerable and unacceptable” and said the elected government had moved swiftly to establish how the publications had been cleared for circulation in government schools.

“I have directed the Secretary, School Education Department, to conduct a time-bound inquiry into the matter,” Itoo said. “Those found responsible will not be spared.”

The controversy erupted after two books approved for higher secondary school libraries under the Samagra Shiksha scheme were withdrawn by the School Education Department following objections over their content.

The books were among hundreds procured under a government-funded programme aimed at strengthening school libraries across Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said concerns were raised after civil society groups alleged that the publications contained chapters on several separatist leaders, prompting criticism from opposition parties and demands for accountability over the vetting process.

The administration subsequently ordered the immediate withdrawal of both books from schools before initiating disciplinary proceedings against officials involved in their selection.

Itoo said the government viewed the matter seriously and would ensure responsibility was fixed through an impartial investigation.

“The issue is intolerable and unacceptable,” she said, adding that accountability would be determined once the inquiry established how the material had entered government-approved educational publications.

She said any official or individual found responsible for the lapses would face action in accordance with the law.

“The inquiry has been initiated, and the culprits will be dealt with as per law,” the minister said.

Her remarks came amid growing political scrutiny of the government’s education system after the controversy dominated public debate across Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier in the day, the Lieutenant Governor ordered the suspension of eight officials, including members of the expert committee that recommended books for higher secondary classes, saying there had been “serious negligence, dereliction of duty” and inadequate due diligence during the selection process.

The administration also appointed a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer to investigate the circumstances under which the books were approved and directed that the inquiry report be submitted within 30 days.

Authorities simultaneously blacklisted the authors and publishers of the two books and ordered the withdrawal of any material authored or published by them from the Union Territory.

The controversy has drawn attention to the procedures followed under Samagra Shiksha, the Union government’s flagship school education programme, under which grants are provided for strengthening libraries and improving educational infrastructure in government schools.

Political parties across the spectrum have demanded a thorough review of the procurement process, while officials have maintained that the inquiry will establish whether established safeguards were followed before the books were cleared for distribution.

Itoo reiterated that preserving the integrity of the education system remained the government’s priority and said appropriate action would follow once the investigation was completed.

“Our education system cannot allow such lapses,” she said. “Responsibility will be fixed, and whoever is found guilty will face strict action.”