Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a comprehensive framework for the evaluation and periodic review of books and academic material in educational institutions across the Union Territory to ensure that educational resources meet academic standards and do not contain objectionable or unlawful content.
The School Education Department and Higher Education Department have issued separate circulars prescribing a structured mechanism for academic evaluation, content verification and periodic review of books and other educational resources in government and recognised private schools, colleges, universities and public libraries.
The move comes in the wake of recent concerns regarding books available in institutional libraries and the procurement of educational material.
According to the circulars, all educational institutions have been directed to undertake a comprehensive academic and content audit of books, reference material, journals, research publications, dissertations, theses, digital repositories and other educational resources, irrespective of when they were procured or introduced.
The framework seeks to ensure that academic material possesses established academic merit, factual accuracy, pedagogical relevance and educational value while remaining consistent with the Constitution, existing laws, the National Education Policy and the curriculum prescribed by competent authorities.
The government has prohibited the procurement, recommendation, retention, circulation or publication of any material containing factually inaccurate, misleading, distorted, inflammatory or unlawful content. It also bars educational institutions from making available material that promotes or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism, radicalisation or activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity, integrity and security of the country.
To oversee implementation, the government has constituted a multi-tier mechanism for academic scrutiny and content verification at the institutional, district, directorate, university and departmental levels. The framework provides for periodic review and quality assurance while respecting the statutory autonomy of universities under applicable laws and University Grants Commission regulations.
The circulars assign specific responsibilities to Vice Chancellors, college principals, Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, heads of institutions, librarians and school managements to ensure compliance within prescribed timelines.
The government said institutional heads would be responsible for implementing the framework in their respective jurisdictions, adding that any negligence or deviation from the prescribed procedures would be viewed seriously.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening academic standards, enhancing institutional accountability and ensuring a transparent and uniform system for reviewing educational resources across schools, colleges and universities in Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)
