DSEJ Orders Comprehensive Review of Books in Government, Private Schools, Coaching Centres
Jammu, July 7, KNT: The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has directed all government and private schools, as well as coaching centres across the Jammu division, to conduct a comprehensive review of books available in their institutions to ensure that no objectionable material is present on their premises.
According to Circular accessed by the news agency Kashmir News Trust, Heads of Institutions (HOIs) have been instructed to examine all recently acquired and older publications available in classrooms, offices, staff rooms, school libraries and other institutional premises.
The circular states that the exercise is aimed at ensuring that educational material does not contain content considered inappropriate or objectionable. It says the review should ensure that books conform to prevailing laws, educational values and the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
In cases where objectionable material is detected, the concerned Head of Institution has been asked to prepare a detailed report mentioning the title of the book, its author and publisher, and the number of copies available.
The Directorate has further instructed all Heads of Institutions and managements of private schools and coaching centres to submit a compliance certificate to the concerned Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), certifying that all books have been thoroughly reviewed, no objectionable material exists on the premises after due verification, and that library books conform to the guidelines and objectives of NEP 2020.
The circular stipulates that reports on objectionable material, wherever applicable, must be submitted to the respective ZEOs within seven days of the issuance of the order, while ZEOs have been directed to submit consolidated reports to the concerned Chief Education Officers by July 15.
Chief Education Officers of the Jammu division have been asked to forward compliance certificates and consolidated reports to the Directorate of School Education Jammu by July 17. The circular also directs CEOs to personally monitor the verification process and ensure strict implementation of the instructions.
The Directorate has warned that any lapse in complying with the directions will be viewed seriously and may invite disciplinary action against the defaulting officials under the applicable rules. [KNT]
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