(a) whether the union Government is contemplating to set up libraries in the rural areas of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of libraries proposed to be set up during 2005-06, State-wise?
(a) whether the union Government is contemplating to set up libraries in the rural areas of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of libraries proposed to be set up during 2005-06, State-wise?
MINISTER FOR INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a) Since “Libraries†is essentially a State subject under Schedule 7 of the Constitution of the India, the responsibility of setting up libraries in rural areas rests with State Governments. The Union Government, however, provides assistance for refurbishing libraries by supply of books, furniture, equipments, for renovation and extension of building, through different schemes of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata. During the last thirty three years, the Foundation, has assisted more than 30,000 town and rural libraries.
(b) & (c): Do not arise