Srinagar, July 7, 2026-Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the action taken regarding the circulation of books and literature containing alleged anti-national and separatist content in educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, he directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive audit of educational institutions and establish a robust mechanism to prevent the procurement and circulation of objectionable material.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department Ashwani Kumar, Principal Secretary, Home Department Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Additional Director, Intelligence Bureau Pankaj Thakur, ADGP CID Nitish Kumar, and Commissioner/Secretary, School Education Department Ram Niwas Sharma.
Officials informed the Lieutenant Governor that books allegedly glorifying separatism had been recovered from certain educational institutions. They stated that individuals responsible for procuring, approving, or circulating such literature would face strict legal action.
Taking serious note of the issue, the Lieutenant Governor instructed all concerned departments to ensure that no books, journals, magazines, or other publications containing anti-national, separatist, or objectionable content are procured, distributed, or made available in universities, government and private colleges, schools, and public or private libraries across Jammu and Kashmir.
He directed that heads of educational institutions submit formal affirmations within a specified timeframe confirming the absence of such material in their institutions. The directive also includes a comprehensive audit and inspection of educational institutions to verify compliance.
The Lieutenant Governor further instructed authorities to examine the websites and digital repositories of universities and higher educational institutions and immediately remove any objectionable material, if found.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, Manoj Sinha directed the formulation of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for the procurement of books and academic material in schools, colleges, and universities. The proposed SoP will incorporate a rigorous screening mechanism, including periodic random reviews by a panel comprising eminent educationists, intellectuals, and senior government officers, to ensure that no material promoting anti-national or separatist narratives enters educational institutions.
Warning against any negligence, the Lieutenant Governor said strict accountability would be enforced and that the Head of the Institution concerned would be held personally responsible for any lapse.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the education system, Manoj Sinha said educational institutions must remain centres of learning, nation-building, and constitutional values. He emphasized that there would be zero tolerance for any attempt to mislead or radicalize students through objectionable literature.
