Kerala Raises Concerns as Centre Seeks Control over Libraries’ Administration

New Delhi: The impending transfer of library governance to the Concurrent list by the Union Government has sparked apprehension in Kerala. Many view this move as an encroachment on the state’s jurisdiction and a potential threat to libraries’ autonomy. The Ministry of Culture is set to introduce a bill in Parliament, aiming to shift libraries from state to Concurrent jurisdiction, raising questions about centralizing control.

Discussions surrounding this contentious issue arose during the recent ‘Festival of Libraries 2023’ in Delhi, where representatives from major libraries across the country convened. The proposed shift has been met with mixed reactions. Prof Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, hinted at the government’s intention to bring libraries under the Ministry of Culture.

However, the move has not been without opposition. The Kerala State Library Council, present at the event, voiced its dissent against the Centre’s decision. Kerala’s Higher Education Minister, R Bindu, criticized the move, citing concerns about the potential infringement on library autonomy in the state. The state also raised alarms over potential disparities in fund allocation for book purchases. While the Centre claims its objective is to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and modernize libraries, critics argue it could be linked to promoting a particular agenda through literature. Currently functioning as an autonomous body under the State Government, the Kerala State Library Council oversees the operations of 9,515 libraries.

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker