Textbook Controversy: Jammu and Kashmir government has formed a committee to review the syllabus following the controversy over removing the chapter on popular Muslim saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali from the Class 9 English syllabus. It has been decided to form. Education, Health and Social Welfare Minister Sakina Masood Itu said that the government will form a committee on this subject which will review the changes made in the syllabus.
Sakina Masood Itu wrote in ‘The Hindu’ While talking to said that "In recent years the chapter on Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali was removed. School books have already been printed, so it is difficult to make changes immediately, but we will form a committee in this matter which will review these irregularities." He said that the government will consult academic experts and educationists on this issue.
What did Minister Sakina Masood Itu say?
Minister Sakina Masood Itu further said that if the need is felt, other stakeholders will also be contacted. He also said "It is regrettable that some people are raising the issue who had earlier kept silence when changes were made in the syllabus."
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave a clear statement
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave a statement on this issue “This chapter will not be removed. This issue has already been raised by the government and Sakina Itu Sahiba has resolved it immediately." According to officials, last year the Lieutenant Governor’s administration had appointed external experts from different states to prepare draft books for schools in Jammu and Kashmir, while local educationists and experts were not consulted. The aim of the present government is to adopt a balanced approach so that the local traditions, culture and personality of the Kashmir and Jammu regions are given due place.
Protest against removal of chapter of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali
Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) and CPI(M) have expressed concern over the removal of the chapter on Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali. CPI(M) leader and MLA M.Y. Tarigami said "It is extremely worrying that the entire chapter on the revered Sufi saint Shaikh-ul-Alam has been removed from the Class 9 textbook. This change was done with blue pencil which was done before the assembly elections. This is unacceptable for our society steeped in rich Sufi traditions."
Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali holds a deep place in the hearts of Kashmiris
JKPC President Sajad Lone criticized this move of Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE). "pure cultural terrorism" And "Attack on our culture and values" relaxed me. he said "Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali is deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of Kashmiris and his life is a beacon of hope and a role model to emulate in a time full of violence, greed and hatred."
