Srinagar, July 09: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir has ordered a comprehensive review of all books in government and recognised private schools, besides coaching centres, to ensure that no material containing objectionable content is available on premises.
As per Circular No: 2-DSEK of 2026 dated July 06, 2026, a copy which lies with GNS reads that all Heads of Institutions have been directed to screen books available in offices, classrooms, staffrooms and school libraries, including recently acquired and older publications.
The purpose, the circular states, is to ensure that no book contains content that may violate religious sentiments, carry inappropriate material for students, go against prevailing laws, harm national interest, or affect educational values and established norms. All material must also align with the age-appropriate guidelines of the National Education Policy 2020.
If any objectionable content is found, the HOI shall prepare a detailed report mentioning the title of the book, year of publication, name of author and publisher, and number of books.
Institutions have been asked to complete the exercise with due diligence and submit a compliance report/certificate to the concerned CEO/ZEO by July 13, 2026. The certificate must state that all books have been thoroughly reviewed, no objectionable material is present to the best of knowledge, and library books conform to NEP-2020 guidelines and relevant laws.
Where objectionable content is identified, an abstract and report must also be submitted to the CEO/ZEO within the same deadline. Zonal Education Officers will scrutinize and consolidate reports from schools and coaching centres under their jurisdiction and submit a consolidated report to the concerned CEO by July 15, 2026.
Chief Education Officers of Kashmir Division have been instructed to submit the certificates and reports, if any, to the Directorate by July 17, 2026. CEOs have also been asked to personally monitor the process and counter-sign the certificates before submission.
A committee comprising the Joint Director (Central/North/South), DSEK, Additional Secretary (Law), DSEK and OSD (CEW), DSEK will collect certification reports from districts and submit a consolidated report to the Directorate by July 19, 2026.
The Directorate warned that any lapse in compliance will be viewed seriously and may invite disciplinary action against defaulting officers under applicable rules.(GNS)
