Let J&K Govt take responsibility of textbook fiasco: RS Pathania

MAJALTA: While referring to the recent controversy over educational material distributed in Jammu & Kashmir, MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania said the revelation that books described Jammu & Kashmir as “Indian-occupied Kashmir” and portrayed Maqbool Bhat as a “freedom fighter” was not merely an administrative lapse but a grave assault on the spirit of the Constitution and the sovereignty of India. He asserted that a Government functions on the principle of collective responsibility, and therefore accountability cannot end with the suspension of a few committee members. “Responsibility must begin at the top. While we welcome the action taken against the committee members, the Chief Minister, the concerned Minister and the entire government must own moral and constitutional responsibility for this serious failure. A government that has sworn to uphold the Constitution cannot permit such distortions to reach the hands of schoolchildren,” he said. Pathania observed that the episode had exposed serious deficiencies in governance, oversight and accountability. He demanded that responsibility be fixed at the highest level and exemplary action be taken against all those found responsible, asserting that constitutional values, national integrity and the future of the country’s children cannot be compromised. He was today paying rich tributes to Sant Kabir Das Ji Maharaj while addressing a massive gathering on the occasion of the 620th Prakash Utsav at Kabir Mandir, Majalta. Describing Sant Kabir Das Ji Maharaj as one of India’s greatest spiritual reformers, Pathania said that his timeless message of equality, oneness, truthfulness, compassion and supreme devotion to Almighty God continues to inspire humanity across generations. He urged people to reflect upon the teachings and ideals of Kabir Ji and imbibe them in their daily lives. Pathania said that Kabir’s philosophy transcended barriers of caste, creed and religion, emphasizing that every human being is equal before God. “His teachings inspire us to distinguish truth from falsehood, to realize what is right and wrong, and to rise above prejudice, hatred and social divisions,” he said. Highlighting the relevance of Sant Kabir’s teachings in the present era, Pathania said society today faces challenges such as corruption, social divisions, drug abuse and moral decline, and that Kabir’s ideals provide a guiding light for building a just, harmonious and value-based society. On the occasion, Pathania announced that the Community Hall at Sri Kabir Mandir, Majalta, being constructed under his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) would be completed expeditiously and dedicated to Kabir Mandir, Majalta. The announcement was greeted with thunderous applause from the large gathering of devotees and local residents. Earlier, Pathania participated in the religious celebrations, paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony.