More than 4,200 books have been withdrawn from circulation in Jammu and Kashmir after being found to contain what the government described as “objectionable material”, according to details presented in the Assembly on Tuesday, the Indian Express reported.
A total of 4,249 books have been withdrawn during the exercise. Of these, 3,996 were removed in Kashmir, accounting for nearly 94 per cent of all withdrawals, while 253 were withdrawn in the Jammu division.
The government also said that 518 copies of 19 titles formally banned under S.O. 203, issued on August 5, 2025, had been removed from circulation.
The review is still underway, with the government saying that identifying and withdrawing objectionable material is a “laborious exercise” and may require additional time.
The Higher Education Department said it had adopted “clear and objective criteria” to determine which material should be considered objectionable. The scrutiny is being carried out in accordance with the prescribed directions for books available in colleges.
Defending the broader exercise, the government said institutions of higher education are meant to promote learning, research and academic excellence, along with constitutional values, academic freedom, critical thinking, scientific temper and responsible citizenship. It also said these institutions are expected to uphold respect for the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
However, the government did not provide details of the individual books or authors whose works have been withdrawn.
Langate MLA and Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Khursheed told The Indian Express that the response did not provide the information he had sought.
“This is not a comprehensive reply. I could not ask what exact titles or authors have been withdrawn,” Khursheed said. He said the question had been pushed further down the agenda and could not be taken up during question hour.
Khursheed said he would continue to pursue the matter and seek details of the books and authors affected by the exercise.
