A book published and distributed under the Samagra Shiksha programme in Jammu and Kashmir is facing scrutiny after intelligence agencies flagged portions of its content for allegedly contradicting India’s constitutional position on the Union Territory and echoing narratives commonly associated with Pakistan and separatist groups.
According to top intelligence sources quoted in media, the publication, carrying the Samagra Shiksha J&K 2025-26 logo, reportedly refers to Jammu and Kashmir as “Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK)” and “Indian Held Kashmir”, terminology frequently used by Pakistan in its official discourse on the region.
Reports claimed the book presents India as an “oppressive state” and characterises its governance in Jammu and Kashmir using terms associated with colonial and neo-colonial rule.
The publication is also alleged to contain references that portray separatist figures in a positive light and include narratives linked to the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC).
Officials familiar with the matter said such content could lend legitimacy to separatist ideologies and is inconsistent with India’s legal and constitutional position regarding Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the country.
The controversy has also raised questions about how the book was approved, funded and distributed through government schools.
Sources said the publication was printed using public funds under the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha scheme of the Ministry of Education, prompting authorities to review the entire approval mechanism.
Investigators are reportedly examining the role of authors, publishers and officials involved in the publication process. The probe is expected to cover contract approvals, financial transactions, author payments and the chain of administrative clearances granted before the book reached schools.
Intelligence sources told media that authorities are additionally looking into whether there were any financial irregularities linked to the publication, including the possibility of foreign funding or external influence.
Officials are conducting a detailed review of the book’s content and assessing the extent of its circulation across government educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
As of now, neither the Ministry of Education nor the Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued an official statement regarding the allegations.
The review process is currently underway, and authorities are expected to determine whether any corrective action, including withdrawal of the material or administrative accountability, is required.
