Public libraries under scanner, 25 face axe

By Nisha Nambiar : Sun Jul 01 2012

Pune The state government has de-recognised as many as 25 libraries after it conducted an  nspection of 524 libraries in the 13 talukas of Pune district. The libraries, including Yashodi Library at Nigdi and Mahalaxmi Granthalaya at Pimple Gurav, have been de-recognised as they do not meet parameters laid down by the state government.

The government had ordered an inspection after discrepancies regarding the maintenance and functioning of libraries kept surfacing from time to time. “The libraries were de-recognised as they failed to meet norms including adequate stock of books and membership strength besides inadequate maintenance of libraries,” said deputy collector Ravindra Kulkarni who supervised the inspection.

With the state government deciding to increase funds for public libraries by 50 per cent, a total of 605 public libraries in the district are being inspected.

While 25 libraries have been de-recognised, four of them have been given a lower grade according to the classification of libaries. The drive has been undertaken so that only functional libaries get the grants.

The state currently allocates Rs 75 crore to these libraries. The amount would go up by 50 per cent, taking the total grant to Rs 112.5 crore for 9,624 libraries in the state.

The libraries are checked for different parameters under the Maharashtra Public Libraries Rules, 1970. In the district, Haveli taluka has the maximum number of libraries at 107 while Mulshi has 18 libraries. Among those de-recognised include 11 from Haveli taluka, two each from Khed and Mulshi talukas, 3 each from Junnar, Velhe and Shirur, four from Daund and one from Bhor.

Source:The Indian Express

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