The library cess collected in Karnataka's Tumakuru district continues to accumulate, yet the shelves of public libraries remain empty of new additions. According to a report by DHNS on July 27, 2026, books were last purchased during the fiscal year 2024–25. For the ongoing 2025–26 period, the state government did not grant permission for any book procurement, leaving readers and students without fresh reading material.
No New Books for 2025-26
The lack of permission from the government has halted all purchasing activity. Library authorities in Tumakuru have stated that they have sufficient funds from the library cess, but administrative hurdles prevent utilization. The cess, a levy on property tax and other sources, is meant to support public libraries. However, without procurement approval, the money remains idle.
Impact on Readers and Students
The absence of new books has disappointed regular library users, including students preparing for competitive exams and avid readers. Local residents complain that the libraries are losing relevance due to outdated collections. One library user said, "We pay taxes expecting better services, but the shelves are gathering dust." The district has over 100 public libraries, all affected by the freeze.
Background of Library Cess
Karnataka imposes a library cess under the Karnataka Public Libraries Act, 1965. The funds are collected by local bodies and transferred to the state library authority for distribution. In Tumakuru, the cess has been consistently collected, but disbursement for book purchases has been erratic. The last procurement in 2024-25 involved a limited budget, and no new requests have been approved since.
Administrative Delays
Library officials attribute the delay to bureaucratic processes. The government's permission is required for each procurement cycle, and the current year's proposal was not cleared. Similar delays have been reported in other districts, though Tumakuru appears to be particularly affected. The total amount of unspent cess in the district is not publicly disclosed, but estimates suggest it runs into crores of rupees.
Need for Reform
Critics argue that the library cess system needs overhaul to ensure timely spending. They suggest a direct allocation mechanism to avoid bureaucratic bottlenecks. Without action, the empty shelves will continue to symbolize a failure in public service delivery. The state education department has not commented on the matter.
