| 21.81 lakh books screened; 4,249 removed from J&K college libraries | |    | Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department has removed 4,249 books from libraries of colleges and other higher educational institutions after reviewing more than 21.81 lakh books and other publications, the government informed the Legislative Assembly.
According to official figures, 3,996 of the books removed were from educational institutions in the Kashmir division, while 253 belonged to institutions in the Jammu division. The figures, however, do not include books formally banned under a separate process.
The department said it had so far reviewed a total of 21,81,582 books and other publications, including 12,48,641 in the Kashmir division and 9,32,941 in the Jammu division.
The government said the review process was extensive and time-consuming given the large volume of material available in college and institutional libraries. The screening of other material considered objectionable is still underway and may take additional time to complete.
The government further informed the House that 518 copies of 19 titles formally banned under Government Order SO-203, dated August 5, 2025, had also been removed from circulation.
The department said guidelines and defined criteria had been adopted for identifying and reviewing material available in college libraries.
According to the government, institutions of higher education have a responsibility not only to promote higher education, research and academic excellence but also to foster an environment that encourages constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper and responsible citizenship.
The action concerning the formally banned books has also been challenged before the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
The petitioners have questioned the validity of SO-203 and raised issues concerning constitutional rights associated with the order. The government, meanwhile, has defended the action, citing legal provisions and public interest.
The review of library material remains in progress, with the department maintaining that the exercise is being undertaken under the prescribed guidelines and criteria. | | |
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