The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the Legislative Assembly that a significant number of books, exceeding 4,200, have been removed from circulation across government colleges and higher educational institutions within the Union Territory. This action follows a comprehensive scrutiny process aimed at identifying and withdrawing material deemed “objectionable.” The Higher Education Department conveyed this information during the ongoing Assembly session in response to a query raised by MLA Sheikh Khursheed. The department stated that a clearly defined and objective criterion was employed to identify objectionable content, adhering to directives issued through a government circular in 2026. This ongoing review process is described as a laborious exercise that is still underway and may require additional time to complete. Officials reported that a total of 21,81,582 books have been examined across Jammu and Kashmir as part of this initiative. Among the withdrawn materials, 518 copies belonging to 19 titles that were officially banned were identified and removed. In addition to these banned titles, 4,249 other books were also removed from libraries after the scrutiny concluded they contained objectionable material. The department further indicated that 1,752 books have been forwarded to the Director Colleges for specialized expert examination. The rationale behind this extensive withdrawal campaign, as explained by the department, is to ensure that higher educational institutions, which are recognized as centers for learning, research, and academic advancement, actively promote constitutional values, foster a scientific temperament, encourage critical thinking, cultivate responsible citizenship, and uphold respect for India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. The scrutiny process is intended to guarantee that these fundamental principles continue to be upheld within the academic environment. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the scope of the review extends to various forms of educational material available to students. Following the government’s disclosure, Awami Ittehad Party MLA Sheikh Khursheed expressed concerns regarding the removal of books from libraries under the purview of the Higher Education Department. He alleged that the government had not provided the specific details requested through his starred question in the Assembly. Khursheed highlighted that the absence of a complete list of the withdrawn books raises questions about the basis for these removals and whether the exercise could potentially impact the preservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s historical records, literary works, and academic archives. He emphasized the seriousness of the issue and stated that the matter would be pursued further when the Assembly session reconvenes, with a renewed demand for the complete list of removed books from the government. The process of identifying and removing books from educational institutions is a sensitive undertaking, particularly in a region with a rich and complex history. The government’s stated objective is to ensure that educational content aligns with constitutional values and promotes national integrity. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for such actions to stifle academic freedom or lead to the selective curation of knowledge. The Higher Education Department’s assertion of a clear and objective criterion is intended to address these concerns, but the lack of transparency regarding the specific titles removed has fueled further debate. The sheer volume of books examined, over 2.1 million, underscores the scale of the operation. The withdrawal of nearly 4,300 books, including those from banned lists and others deemed objectionable through scrutiny, represents a significant intervention in the academic resources available to students and faculty. The referral of 1,752 books for expert examination indicates that the decision-making process for some titles is still subject to further review and expert opinion, suggesting a tiered approach to content assessment. The government’s commitment to promoting constitutional values and a scientific temper is a stated priority, and the withdrawal of books is framed as a measure to support these educational goals. The Higher Education Department’s statement emphasizes that educational institutions are expected to be bastions of critical thinking and responsible citizenship, and the current exercise is presented as a means to reinforce these expectations. The ongoing nature of the scrutiny suggests that the impact of this policy may continue to unfold as more books are reviewed and potentially removed. The debate initiated by MLA Sheikh Khursheed points to a broader discussion about intellectual freedom, historical preservation, and the role of educational institutions in shaping public discourse. The government’s response, while providing figures on the scale of the withdrawal, has yet to fully satisfy the demand for transparency regarding the specific content that led to these removals. The future implications for academic research and the availability of diverse perspectives within Jammu and Kashmir’s educational landscape remain a key area of concern for stakeholders. The government’s position, as articulated by the Higher Education Department, is that the exercise is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the educational system and ensuring that it serves the purpose of fostering informed and responsible citizens. The classification of books as “objectionable” is based on a defined criterion, which the department insists is applied objectively. However, without public disclosure of the titles and the reasons for their removal, it is difficult for external observers to independently assess the validity of these claims and the potential impact on academic inquiry. The ongoing nature of the review process means that the final tally of withdrawn books could increase, further shaping the intellectual environment of the region’s higher education sector. The government’s stated aim is to create an academic space that is conducive to learning and national development, while also safeguarding against content that could be deemed detrimental to these objectives. The scrutiny process, therefore, is presented as a necessary measure to align educational resources with the stated developmental and constitutional goals of the Union Territory. The Legislative Assembly’s role in overseeing such actions is critical, and the continued engagement from members like Sheikh Khursheed highlights the importance of legislative oversight in matters of public education and intellectual freedom. The government’s commitment to transparency will be tested as the process continues and further information is demanded by elected representatives and the public.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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