Objectionable Textbook Content | Publishing house ‘Acuber Books International’ tenders public apology

Srinagar, Apr 27: Amid the row over ‘objectionable’ content published in a textbook, the publishers of the textbook ‘Acuber Books International’ Saturday tendered an apology for inappropriately labelling the “offensive content” in the textbook.

The publishing house tendered a public apology following a row over publishing the objectionable content in the textbook which took the internet by storm.

The row erupted after a picture of the textbook surfaced on social media following which people from all walks of life expressed displeasure over the “objectionable content” published in the textbook.

The publishing house, Acuber Books International in its apology said that the content was deeply offensive to many individuals and communities.

“We write to you with utmost sincerity and regret regarding the recent

controversy. It has come to our attention that the content was not only inaccurate but also deeply offensive to many individuals and communities,” the apology letter reads.

It reads that the publishing house acknowledges the “gravity of our mistake” and recognises that such mischaracterisations not only undermine truth and justice but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

“We understand the importance of rectifying this error swiftly and unequivocally. On behalf of Acuber Books International, We extend our sincerest apologies to all those who have been affected by this oversight,” the letter reads.

The publishers have clarified that it is not their intention to spread misinformation or contribute to the propagation of harmful narratives.

“In response to this issue, we are taking immediate steps to rectify the situation. We are committed to reviewing and revising our content to ensure accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity in our representations,” the letter reads.

The publishers in their apology letter further said that they would issue a formal correction and apology in their upcoming publications and online platforms.

“We deeply value the feedback and concerns of our readers and stakeholders, and we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and respect in all our publications. Once again, we apologise for any distress or offense caused by our error, and we thank you for bringing this matter to our attention,” the letter reads.

Earlier, the picture of the textbook page with objectionable content was shared on social media and it was attributed to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and was stated that the book was prescribed by the J&K Board of School Education (BOSE).

However, to calm the situation, the School Education Department (SED) immediately issued a clarification stating that the textbook was not published or prescribed by the NCERT or BOSE.

“There is some objectionable content from a book being circulated on social media. As verified, from the textbooks prescribed and developed by the BOSE, there is no such content in the BOSE textbooks," SED posted on its official X handle.

Administrative Secretary SED Piyush Singla said that no book having such content has been developed by NCERT, nor had it been prescribed in any of J&K schools.

“We are verifying the source of this video so that the law enforcement authorities can take strict action,” he said.

Following the SED clarification, several district Police authorities said that the “objectionable content” shared on social media and attributed to NCERT or BOSE was not factually correct.

The district Police Budgam on its official X handle said that in the background of circulation of objectionable content from a book, SED had posted that there was neither any such content in the BOSE textbooks nor any such content had been developed by NCERT besides that it had not been prescribed in any J&K schools.

“People are requested not to pay heed to rumours to vitiate the atmosphere of peace and harmony. Anyone found indulging in such activities will be strictly dealt with under the law,” the district Police Budgam statement read.

The district Police Pulwama also shared the post of SED to pacify the people