Srinagar, July 4: The J&K Government has suspended 8 officers and officials of the School Education Department and blacklisted two authors and publishers after two library books with “inappropriate content” were found to have been supplied to government schools.
As per an order, Samagra Shiksha had procured age-appropriate books for 18,328 government schools and 394 PM SHRI schools. Four sub-committees of experts were constituted for selection.
It was noticed on July 3, 2026 that two books selected by Sub Committee Series-4 contained inappropriate content. The books were immediately withdrawn vide separate orders dated 03.07.2026.
The books are Personalities and Legends of J&K_, authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu. 123 copies of this book were supplied to Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts and Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir, authored by Dr. Sushant Giri, published by Anurag Prakashan, Delhi. 128 copies were supplied to Jammu and Baramulla districts.
The government said the books contained content related to separatism which has the potential to create law and order situations. It noted “serious negligence, dereliction of duty and lack of proper due diligence” by members of Sub Committee Series-4 and supervisory officers.
The following officials have been placed under suspension with immediate effect under Rule-31(1)(a) of J&K Civil Services (CCA) Rules, 1956Mr Fazil Imran Saddiqui – Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha, Gurjeet Singh – Assistant Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha, Sanjeev Sharma – Principal, GHSS Kore Pannu, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir – Academic Officer, SCERT Jammu, Shazia Kouser – Lecturer, BHSS Wathoora, Budgam, Niranjan Sharma- Lecturer, GHSS Badhat, Kishtwar, Renu Meng- Lecturer, DIET Jammu and Rajmohini – Lecturer, GGHSS Poonch
During suspension, they will remain attached with the School Education Department.
Sheikh Suheel Ahmad, Computer Assistant (Contractual) assisting the Coordinator Library, Samagra Shiksha, has also been disengaged with immediate effect.
Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department, has been appointed as Inquiry Officer. Rohit Sharma, JKAS, Additional Secretary, GAD, will be the Presenting Officer. The Inquiry Officer has been asked to submit his report within 30 days.
The government has further ordered that the aforementioned authors and publishers are banned and blacklisted in J&K with immediate effect. Any printed material authored and/or published by them shall also be withdrawn from the Union Territory.
The order has been issued by order of the Lieutenant Governor.
