Srinagar, September 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department has withdrawn 4,249 books from circulation in colleges and libraries across the region, with nearly 94 per cent of the withdrawals reported from the Kashmir division, the Legislative Assembly was informed.
According to the Government’s reply, 3,996 books were withdrawn from Kashmir, while 253 were removed from libraries and colleges in the Jammu division.
The figures were provided in the Legislative Assembly in response to a question, with the Government stating that the exercise covers books and other publications identified as “objectionable”.
The House was informed that the department has so far examined 21,81,582 books and publications, including 12,48,641 in Kashmir and 9,32,941 in Jammu.
Separately, 518 copies of 19 titles formally banned under S.O. 203 dated August 5, 2025, have also been removed from circulation, the Government said.
The department clarified that the scrutiny and withdrawal exercise has not yet been completed.
“The process of scrutiny of objectionable books, material to be withdrawn is under process in the Department as the same is laborious exercise and may take more time,” the Government said.
Explaining the rationale behind the exercise, the Government said higher educational institutions are expected to maintain an environment based on constitutional values and academic standards.
“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,” it said.
The Government further informed the House that the Higher Education Department had adopted what it described as a clear and objective criteria for identifying material considered objectionable and subjecting books available in colleges to scrutiny in accordance with prescribed directions.
The scrutiny of books and other material is continuing, with the Government indicating that further withdrawals could follow upon completion of the exercise.
