**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to Unstarred Question No.†275 in the Lok Sabha concerning projects under the National Mission on Libraries (NML) in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. The question addresses the status of libraries in Jaunpur, projects sanctioned, funds allocated and utilised, and any special action plan to develop digital and mobile libraries. The answer clarifies the role of the state versus the central government in library administration and provides financial assistance details for Uttar Pradesh libraries. The question was to be answered on 02.02.2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **State vs. Central Responsibility:**
* Libraries fall under the State subject as per Article 246 of the Constitution of India.
* Public libraries are under the administrative control of respective State or Union Territory authorities.
* **National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme:**
* The Ministry of Culture implements the NML scheme, providing financial assistance for upgrading existing libraries.
* Assistance is extended to one State Central Library and one District Library in each State/UT, plus six libraries identified by the Ministry.
* This component focuses on: improving infrastructure, technology, modernization, facilities for specially-abled groups, and resources to meet local needs.
* **Financial Assistance to Uttar Pradesh:**
* The Government of Uttar Pradesh received financial assistance for upgrading State Central Library, Allahabad and Government District Library, Etawah
* State Central Library, Allahabad, received Rs. 206.00 Lakh sanctioned, with Rs. 203.75 Lakh released.
* Government District Library, Etawah, received Rs. 87.00 Lakh sanctioned, with Rs. 85.93 Lakh released.
* **Jaunpur District Projects:**
* The Government has not formulated any special action plan to develop digital and mobile libraries collections based on local languages and history and smart learning spaces for students and youth in Jaunpur district.
* Details of such a plan do not arise.
**Impact Analysis**
**Government of Uttar Pradesh**
* **Impact:** Received financial assistance for upgrading libraries in Allahabad and Etawah.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the released funds (Rs. 203.75 Lakh for Allahabad and Rs. 85.93 Lakh for Etawah) for the improvement of infrastructure, technology, modernization, facilities for specially-abled groups, and resources to meet local needs at the respective libraries.
**Ministry of Culture**
* **Impact:** The Ministry's role in implementing the NML scheme is reiterated.
* **Action Required:** Continue the NML scheme and assess the impact of financial assistance on the upgraded libraries and continue to offer assistance as per the terms of the scheme.
**Residents and Library Users of Allahabad and Etawah**
* **Impact:** Potential benefit from improved library facilities and resources in Allahabad and Etawah.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the upgraded facilities and provide feedback on the improvements.
Key Entities Referenced
National Mission on Libraries (NML): A scheme implemented by the Ministry of Culture to provide financial assistance for the up-gradation of existing libraries.
Ministry of Culture: The government ministry responsible for implementing the National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme.
Uttar Pradesh: The Indian state where Jaunpur district is located, and where financial assistance was sanctioned for upgrading libraries.
Article 246 of the Constitution of India: Specifies that libraries fall under the State subject in the Seventh Schedule.
Jaunpur: The specific district in Uttar Pradesh where the questioner inquired about the status of public libraries.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No.†275
TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026
PROJECTS UNDER NML IN JAUNPUR, UTTAR PRADESH
†275 SHRI BABU SINGH KUSHWAHA:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
a) whether the Government is aware that a majority of public libraries at the district,
tehsil and rural levels in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh are deficient in basic
infrastructure, digital resources, e-library facilities and trained manpower;
b) if so, the details of the number of projects sanctioned for Jaunpur district under the
National Mission on Libraries (NML) during the last three years and the current year;
c) the details of the funds allocated and utilised thereunder, year-wise;
d) whether the Government has formulated any special action plan to develop digital and
mobile libraries collections based on local languages and history and smart learning
spaces for students and youth in Jaunpur district; and
e) if so, the details thereof along with the timeline fixed therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (c) As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, libraries fall under the State subject
in the Seventh Schedule, with public libraries functioning under the administrative control of
the respective State or Union Territory authorities.
However, the Ministry of Culture implements the National Mission on Libraries (NML)
Scheme, under which financial assistance is provided for the “Up-gradation of existing
libraries under the NML Model Library” component. Assistance is extended to one State
Central Library and one District Library in each State/UT, based on recommendations from
the respective State authorities and subject to availability of State funds, in addition to six
libraries identified by the Ministry. This component focuses on four key areas: improvementof infrastructure, up-gradation of technology and modernization of services, creation of
facilities for specially-abled groups, and procurement of reading resources to meet local
needs along with advocacy and outreach programmes.
The Government of Uttar Pradesh was sanctioned financial assistance for upgradation of
State Central Library, Allahabad and Government District Library, Etawah as per following
details:
Library Name Amt. Sanctioned Amt. Released
(Rs. in Lakh) (Rs. in Lakh)
State Central Library, 206.00 203.75
Allahabad
Government District 87.00 85.93
Library, Etawah
(d) No Sir.
(e) Does not arise.
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