The Higher Education Department has removed over 4200 ‘objectionable’ books from the shelves of colleges and libraries of Jammu and Kashmir.
The government in the Legislative Assembly informed that 4249 books have been withdrawn from circulation excluding the banned books including 3996 from Kashmir and 253 from Jammu division respectively.
It also said that a total of 21,81,582 books and publications have been examined till date including 9,32,941 in Jammu and 12,48,641 in Kashmir.
The house was further informed that 518 copies of 19 titles formally banned under S.O 203 have also been removed.
The government in a reply to the question tabled by MLA Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh said, “The process of scrutiny of objectionable books, material to be withdrawn is under process in the Department as the same is laborious exercise and may take more time.”
“The reason for initiation of such action is that the Higher Education Institutions constitute centres of Higher learning, research, academic excellence and are expected to foster an environment that upholds constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper, responsible citizenship and respect for the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India,” the government said.
The house was further informed that the Higher Education Department had adopted a clear and objective criteria for identifying objectionable material for scrutiny of books available in colleges in terms of prescribed directions
