DC impact: Puducherry education department withdraws controversial book

Puducherry: Puducherry education department has decided to withdraw the controversial book containing sexually explicit contents prescribed for primary school children.

The decision was taken at a meeting the Director of Education had with deputy directors on Thursday night. Headmasters of primary schools were asked to immediately return all the five books issued by the department.

“All books were returned and replaced. We had a serious discussion with school heads. The department is taking it very seriously and further action will follow” said J. Krishna Raju, state project director, SSA.

Deccan Chronicle had reported that the education department had provided books containing sexually explicit contents to primary schools under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) Scheme which released '1,600 to set up reading corner in schools. Five books worth of Rs 400 have been provided by the department in which the story collection ‘Senkathu Veesum Kadu’ created a furore among teachers because of its sexual content.

The Students Federation of India (SFI) has demanded action against officials who prescribed the book for students. “Simply withdrawing the book is not a solution. How irresponsible it is to provide books to primary school children without even setting up a review committee” A. Anand, secretary, SFI Puducherry committee, said.