(a) whether the Government would consider the possibility of developing partnerships between major Indian public libraries and other public libraries across the world through digital connections to increase the number of books available digitally;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any proposals are underway to improve the quality of public libraries in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Culture
Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) Currently, there is no such proposal.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) & (d) Ministry of Culture through matching and non-matching schemes of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation and through National Mission on Libraries is providing financial assistance for various purpose e.g. construction/renovation of library buildings, up-gradation of infrastructure with furniture and equipment, modernization, procurement of books and reading resources, organization of seminar/training and capacity building of library professionals/workshop/ outreach programmes, establishment of children corner, opening of various sections, creating facilities for specially-abled, braille corner etc.
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