Public libraries in Odisha are grappling with large-scale fund embezzlements, staff crunch and gross mismanagement thanks to lack of inspection of their functioning.
They are funded by the State Directorate of Culture and Raja Ram Mohun Roy library Foundation (RRRlF), Kolkata, the central nodal agency to promote library services in the country. In the year 2000, the State Culture Department had recommended a list of 17 libraries to the RRRlF for assistance to public libraries to acquire computer with accessories for library application and TV, CD player, DVD player for educational purposes under the matching scheme category.
The grant-in-aid was aimed at modernising public libraries with internet facilities. The selected libraries were supposed to be enabled with multimedia facilities for educational purposes. The RRRlF made a grant of Rs5,61,000 as its share to the Establishment Officer, Directorate of Culture (RRRlF file no.15/IMP/TV/99-00). The authorities have not only failed to implement the scheme but also are peddling falsehoods to hide the facts.
Replying to an RTI application, No.3801 dated 21.05.15, the Deputy Director of Culture informed that as the public libraries assisted “under the matching schemes” are directly dealt by RRRlF, “the detail list is not available with this directorate.” Contrary to this, the Department of Culture examines and recommends libraries lists to the RRRlF for both matching and non-matching schemes. It also contributes 40 per cent (RRRlF bears 60 per cent) of the grant money under the matching scheme. Authorities’ deliberate attempt to suppress facts points towards funds misappropriation of around Rs9 lakh, which was meant for the modernisation and digitalisation of public libraries.
Under the non-matching schemes, public libraries are fully funded by the RRRlF. Every year it is funding many libraries under these schemes. Two of them are exclusively aimed at drawing children to the libraries. These schemes have turned money-spinners for the NGOs and the Government authorities alike.
Public libraries received grants to purchase TVs, computers with multimedia kit, software and internet connectivity under the “scheme of assistance towards establishment of RRRlF children corner”. Additionally, subscription of children magazines, comics, globes, educational toys, learning games and books which should be kept in specially designed book racks. Special decorations of the children section were also referred to attract the junior readers.
About 26 libraries in Odisha, including two district public libraries, were assisted to the tune of Rs40 lakh in grant-in-aid for the establishment of children corners between 2006 and 2012. Out of them, barring a very few, none under the NGOs has implemented the scheme. Some NGOs like, Swati Mahila Samiti in Puri, have put assets bought out of the grant to their personal use.
Similarly, in the financial year 2006-07, Sambalpur and Ganjam DCOs received Rs1, 50,000 each vide cheques No.699367 and 940988 respectively. The utilisation of the grant money in these Government owned libraries is also less than satisfactory. These libraries have no separate corner for the children, no TV, computer or any multimedia kits except some children books lying unused in the almirahs.