Srinagar, Sept 22: The government on Tuesday said that more than 21.8 lakh books and publications have so far been scrutinised in Government Degree Colleges across the union Territory, with 4,249 books withdrawn from circulation as part of an ongoing review of library material.
The government made the disclosure in a reply to a starred question raised by MLA Langate Khurshed Ahmad Sheikh in J&K Legislative Assembly regarding the scrutiny of books in colleges and libraries under Circular No. 02-JK(HE) of 2026 dated July 9, 2026.
In July, J&K government had directed the heads of all government and private schools to screen books in their libraries, offices, classrooms and staff rooms for "inappropriate or objectionable content". The circular was issued days after the BJP protested against the procurement of books by government schools over the alleged glorification of some separatist leaders.
In August 2025, J&K Home Department had banned the publication of 25 books on Kashmir, including those authored by AG Noorani, Arundhati Roy, Christopher Snedden, and Sumatra Bose.
According to the reply in the Assembly by the J&K Minister of Education, the government has adopted "clear and objective criteria" for identifying objectionable material, with the details of the criteria contained in the circular.
The scrutiny process, however, is still underway. The government said identifying material for withdrawal is a "laborious exercise" and may take more time.
As per the details Government Degree Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir divisions have examined a combined 21,81,582 books/publications so far.
Of these, 5,18 books were banned books withdrawn from circulation under S.O. 203 dated August 5, 2025, comprising 19 titles.
The data shows that 140 copies covering eight titles were withdrawn from circulation in the Jammu Division, while 478 copies covering 18 titles were withdrawn in the Kashmir Division.
Besides banned books, another 4,249 books have been withdrawn from circulation. These include 253 books in Jammu Division and 3,996 in Kashmir Division.
The department has also referred 1,752 books for expert examination to the Director Colleges. Of these, 538 are from Jammu Division and 1,214 from Kashmir Division.
The government said the purpose of the action was linked to the role of higher education institutions as centres of higher learning, research and academic excellence.
"The reason for initiation of such action is that 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," the government said in its reply.