Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department and Higher Education Department have issued a framework for the academic evaluation, content verification and periodic review of books and other educational resources in schools, colleges, universities and public libraries across the Union Territory.
According to official circulars, the move follows government directions and concerns over educational material available in institutional libraries and procured by educational institutions.
The framework directs all government and recognised private schools, colleges, universities and public libraries 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 included.
The circulars state that educational institutions shall not procure, prescribe, retain or circulate material containing factually inaccurate, misleading, inflammatory, unlawful or otherwise objectionable content, including content that promotes or justifies terrorism, violent extremism, secessionism or activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country.
To implement the framework, the government has prescribed multi-tier academic and content scrutiny mechanisms at the institutional, district, directorate, university and administrative department levels for evaluation, quality assurance and periodic review of educational resources.
The circulars assign responsibility for implementation to vice chancellors, college principals, chief education officers, zonal education officers, heads of institutions, librarians, school managements and other academic authorities, directing them to ensure compliance within the stipulated timelines. Any omission or deviation from the prescribed procedures will be viewed seriously, the circulars state.
The government said the initiative aims to strengthen academic standards, institutional accountability and the integrity of the education system while establishing a uniform framework for the periodic review of educational resources across educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
