Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday ordered a comprehensive audit of educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir after authorities reported circulation of books and literature allegedly promoting “anti-national and separatist” narratives.The directions were issued during a high-level meeting convened to review the action taken following the recovery of such material from educational institutions.
Officials informed the Lieutenant Governor that those found responsible for procuring, approving or circulating the literature would face strict legal action.
Sinha directed the administration to put in place a mechanism to prevent the procurement, distribution or availability of any publication, including books, journals and magazines, carrying objectionable content in universities, colleges, schools and public and private libraries.The Lieutenant Governor directed heads of institutions to submit declarations within a specified timeframe confirming the absence of such material. He also ordered a comprehensive audit and inspection of educational institutions.
Officials were further asked to examine websites and digital repositories of universities and higher education institutions and remove any objectionable material, if found.
Calling for measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents, Sinha directed the formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for procurement of academic material. The SOP will include a screening system and periodic scrutiny by a panel comprising educationists, intellectuals and senior officers.
The Lieutenant Governor warned that any lapse would invite strict action, adding that heads of institutions concerned would be held personally responsible.
“Educational institutions must remain centres of learning, nation-building and constitutional values,” Sinha said, asserting that the administration has zero tolerance towards any attempt to mislead or radicalise students through objectionable literature.
Senior civil administration and security officials attended the meeting.
