Question : BOOK FAIRS AND SEMINARS

(a) whether the Union Government proposes to formulate any scheme to organize Book Fairs and Book Seminars for the purpose of enhancing peoples’ interests towards books and education;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the rules framed for selection of locations for organizing the Book Fairs and Book Seminars;

(d) whether the Union Government has received any proposal regarding holding the Book Fair and Book Seminar in various States including Uttar Pradesh;

(e) if so, the decision taken by the Government in this regard, State-wise; and

(f) the time by which the above said Fair and Seminar is likely to be held?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) to (c): Government of India (GOI) is already operating a scheme for granting “Financial assistance to Voluntary / Private Organisations for organizing Seminars / Training courses / Workshop / Annual Conventions etc. connected with Book Promotional Activities” being implemented through National Book Trust (NBT), India, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

Under the Scheme, grants up to 75% of the total budget expenditure borne by the voluntary organizations / Professional Bodies is given to hold book fairs, seminars and other connected activities to enhance book reading habits all over India. Besides this, NBT also organizes book fairs / seminars across the country, throughout the year, to promote reading habits among the general masses.

NBT regularly receives proposals to hold book fairs from various states, either through the State Government or by the Voluntary/ literary organizations / publishers’ associations which are duly considered by a Grant – in- Aid Committee (GIAC), keeping in view the necessity of exhibition in specific areas of interests / purpose of the applicants.

(d) to (f): During the current financial year 2011-12, NBT has considered and approved grants to 125 voluntary / private organizations / publishers’ associations from various states, including Uttar Pradesh. A list of State / UT – wise grantees is annexed.