Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Culture addresses questions regarding the publicity of public libraries. While libraries fall under State control, the Ministry supports their development through the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) and the National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme. The RRRLF also launched the National Register of Public Libraries, a database of libraries nationwide.
Key Points / Main Content:
Financial Assistance and Development:
* The Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) provides financial assistance to public libraries nationwide through Matching and Non-Matching Schemes, in collaboration with State/UT Library Authorities.
* The National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme provides financial assistance for upgrading existing libraries, supporting one State Central Library and one District Library per State/UT, alongside six libraries identified by the Ministry, focusing on infrastructure, technology, accessibility, and resources.
Awareness and Outreach Activities:
* RRRLF assists States/UTs in operating mobile libraries, especially in rural areas, and supports book fairs and reading promotion activities.
* RRRLF supports library modernization through infrastructure upgrades, ICT equipment, and internet connectivity.
* The National Register of Public Libraries informs citizens about nearby public libraries.
* The NML Scheme supports the procurement of local reading resources and outreach programs, including stakeholder engagement, competitions, workshops, and publicity, with financial assistance up to 3.00 lakh for each State Central Library, 2.00 lakh for each District Library, and 4.20 lakh for each Ministry of Culture Library.
National Register of Public Libraries:
* The Government, through RRRLF, has launched a national-level dynamic database of public libraries.
Impact Analysis:
State/UT Library Authorities:
* Impact: Responsible for the administrative control of public libraries and can collaborate with RRRLF for financial assistance. They must provide recommendations for libraries under the NML Model Library component.
* Action Required: Collaborate with RRRLF to access financial assistance, submit recommendations for library upgrades, and implement outreach programs.
Public Libraries:
* Impact: Eligible for financial assistance for development, upgrades, and outreach programs through RRRLF and NML Scheme.
* Action Required: Apply for financial assistance through RRRLF and NML, participate in outreach programs, and modernize facilities to improve user engagement.
Local Population:
* Impact: Benefits from improved library facilities, increased accessibility to reading resources, and awareness of library services through outreach programs.
* Action Required: Utilize library services, participate in outreach programs, and provide feedback on local needs.
Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF):
* Impact: Responsible for providing financial assistance and maintaining the National Register of Public Libraries.
* Action Required: Manage financial assistance programs, maintain and update the National Register of Public Libraries, and collaborate with State/UT authorities.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture of India.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
SHRI KARTI P CHIDAMBARAM: A member of the Lok Sabha who raised a question about public libraries.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Culture and Tourism who provided the answer to the question.
Constitution of India: The supreme law of India, which defines the framework for political principles, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions.
State List: A list of subjects under the Constitution of India, on which the state legislature has the power to make laws.
Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation RRRLF: An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture that extends financial assistance for the development of public libraries across the country.
National Mission on Libraries NML Scheme: A scheme under the Ministry of Culture that provides financial assistance for the upgradation of existing libraries.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4120
TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.08.2025
PUBLICITY OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES
4120. SHRI KARTI P CHIDAMBARAM:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
a) the details of the criteria and methodology used by the Government for the
identification and tabulation of public libraries under its purview and whether it has
been independently verified;
b) the details of awareness or outreach activities undertaken by the Government to
publicise these libraries among the local population;
c) whether the Government maintains a comprehensive list of such libraries with
complete addresses; and
d) if so, the details thereof and whether this list is available in electronic format for
public access and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
a) As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, libraries fall under the State List in the
Seventh Schedule, with public libraries functioning under the administrative control of the
respective State or Union Territory authorities.
However, the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), an autonomous
organization under the Ministry of Culture, extends financial assistance for the development
of public libraries across the country through various approved Matching and Non-Matching
Schemes, in active collaboration with the respective State/UT Library Authorities.In addition, 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. Under this component, support 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 the availability of State
funds—in addition to six libraries identified by the Ministry. The initiative focuses on four
key areas: improvement of infrastructure; upgradation of technology and modernization of
services; creation of facilities for specially-abled groups; and procurement of reading
resources tailored to local needs, along with advocacy and outreach programmes.
(b) The Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) provides assistance to
States/UTs for operating mobile libraries, particularly in rural and remote areas, with the
objective of promoting reading habits and extending library services to underserved
communities. Financial support is also extended for organizing book fairs, exhibitions, and
reading promotion activities at the district and block levels, thereby attracting diverse user
groups, including students, senior citizens, and women. To enhance user engagement and
service delivery, RRRLF supports modernization of libraries through infrastructure
upgradation, provision of furniture, ICT equipment, and internet connectivity, which
contribute to improved visibility, accessibility, and usability of libraries among local
populations.
In addition, the National Register of Public Libraries, recently launched by RRRLF, serves
as an information repository on the presence of libraries across different parts of the country
and creates awareness among local citizens regarding the availability of public libraries in
their vicinity.
Under the National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme, financial assistance is provided
through the sub-component Procurement of Reading Resources to Meet Local Needs and
Advocacy & Outreach Programmes. This includes support for the procurement of books, e-
books, audio/video collections, periodicals, and other resources as per local demand; and for
conducting advocacy and outreach programmes such as stakeholder engagement,
collaborations with civil society, quizzes, creative writing competitions, model-making,
music competitions, workshops, publicity of library activities in local media, and the opening
of extension counters in local schools for the benefit of students, teachers, and staff.
Assistance is provided up to ₹3.00 lakh for each State Central Library, ₹2.00 lakh for each
District Library, and ₹4.20 lakh for each Ministry of Culture Library.
(c) & (d) The Government of India, through the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation
(RRRLF) under the Ministry of Culture, has recently launched a significant initiative to
compile and maintain a comprehensive, national-level dynamic database of public libraries
across the country.