Question : Vacant Posts in Libraries

(a) whether a large number of posts in libraries under the administrative control of the Ministry are lying vacant and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/being taken by the Government to fill vacant posts in a time bound manner;

(b) whether there is an urgent need for formulating a National Library Policy for coordinated development of the libraries in the country and if so, the details thereof and the other measures being taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether due to shortage of funds and resources, these libraries are in a state of despair and if so, the detail thereof along with Government’s reaction thereto; and

(d) whether the Government has reviewed the functioning of these libraries and if so, the details and the findings thereof?

Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Culture Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)


(a) No Madam. Most of the live posts in the libraries under the administrative control of this Ministry are filled up.

(b) Library is a state subject and Libraries in States/Union Territories function under the administrative control of the respective State/Union Territory authority. National Knowledge Commission, established in 2005, constituted a working group on Libraries which recommended setting up a National Mission on Libraries to revamp Library and Information Services sectors. Based on the recommendations, National Mission on Libraries has been setup to achieve the goal of creating a knowledge society.

(c) No Madam.

(d) The functioning of libraries under administrative control of this Ministry is reviewed from time to time and action taken for smooth execution of library activities.

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