(a) whether any scheme or strategy has been evolved by the Union
Government to promote children literature (Bal Sahitya);
(b) if so, the details thereof,
(c) the total amount allocated for this purpose during the
current year;
(d) whether Government has introduced any award for
promoting Bal Sahitya; and
(e) if so, the details in
this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVLEOPMENT (SMT. KANTI SINGH)
(a) (b) & (c): Yes Sir. The Government has established the
National Book Trust (NBT), an autonomous organization under this
Ministry, for promotion of books and Indian literature including
children`s literature. The National Centre for Children`s
Literature (NCCL) was set up within the NBT in 1993 to specially
evolve strategy for promotion of children`s literature. The NCCL
has a Library-cum-Documentation Centre which also runs a Scheme
of Readers Clubs. To augment promotion of children`s literature,
the NBT under its special publishing programme `Nehru Bal
Pustkalaya` publishes children`s literature. So far more than
6500 titles including originals, reprints, revisions of quality
children books have been published at very reasonable prices in
all Indian languages. An outlay of Rs. 25.00 lakh has been
earmarked for the purpose during the current year.
(d) & (e): No Sir.