(a) whether it is a fact that the per capita Government
expenditure for popularising books is fifty paise only and the
selling capacity of National Book Trust is declining
continuously;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government have taken any measures for
popularising the books; and
(d) if so, the achievements made in this regard during the
last three years?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (PROF. RITA VERMA)
(a to d):Number of activities are undertaken by the government
for popularizing books. Various governmental bodies like the
National Book Trust, India (NBT), National Council of
Educational & Research Training (NCERT), Sahitya Akademy,
Publication Division of the Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting etc. are actively involved in
producing/popularizing books. The State Governments are also
investing substantially on this account. In addition, various
media, publishers and booksellers also contribute to
popularize books.
As regards sales of NBT publications, it is incorrect to
say that the selling capacity of NBT is declining
continuously. Sale figures of the last four years shows this
as given below: -
Year Net Sale (Rs. in lakhs)In some years bulk orders from Government departments under Operation Black Board etc. boost up the sale. Marginal differences in the sale figures are caused due to this.
1997-1998 249.64 1998-1999 361.04 1999-2000 226.00 2000-2001 320.78 2001-2002 247.76 (up to 31 January 2002)