Question : MODERNISATION OF NATIONAL LIBRARIES

(a) whether the Union Government has decided to modernize and digitally link libraries across the country including in rural areas in a bid to provide readers access to books and information under the National Mission on Libraries(NML);

(b) if so, the details including the aims and objectives thereof and the funds sanctioned, released and utilized along with the budgetary allocation made for the purpose during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise and city/town-wise;

(c) the steps taken by the Government to implement the recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission on Libraries;

(d) whether any agreement is signed with other countries for increasing the collection of books from across the world; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF CULTURE (SMT. CHANDRESH KUMARI KATOCH)

(a)& (b): A High Level Committee, i.e. National Mission on Libraries (NML) has been constituted and notified on 4th May 2012. The primary objective of the NML is to revamp and modernize the library sector and set standards for qualitative improvement of services and infrastructure and also to prepare a National Policy on Library and Information system for India. The NML has decided to set up a National Virtual Library. One of the Working Groups of the NML, on National Virtual Library, Networking and ICT Applications has deliberated upon the setting up of a National Virtual Library, various issues concerning networking and ICT applications in libraries.
As NML has been constituted and notified in the year 2012-13, no budgetary allocations were made for the purpose during the last three years. The Ministry has made a budget provision of Rs. 6.00 crore during 2012-13 for NML and so far a sum of Rs. 3.00 crore has been released to Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), which has been designated as the nodal agency for the NML for budgeting purposes.

(c): The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) in its Report to the Nation (2006-2009) made ten major recommendations on libraries. In pursuance of this, a High Level Committee, i.e., National Mission on Libraries (NML) has been set up by the Government of India.

(d) No, Sir.

(e) Does not arise in view of (d) above.