More than half a century after Maharashtra pioneered library reform with its landmark Public Libraries Act of 1967, the very custodians of these community institutions feel betrayed by the system they served. Librarians across the state are preparing for a silent protest march in Wardha on December 9, highlighting what they call government neglect and inadequate compensation for their vital work.
The Stark Reality of Librarian Salaries
Despite years of dedicated service, librarians in Maharashtra's highest-paying 'A' category currently earn a meager ₹6,800 per month, while those in the lowest 'D' tier struggle to survive on a paltry ₹2,223 monthly. The protesters are demanding a threefold increase in their remuneration alongside improved benefits.
Gulabrao Patil, working president of the Maharashtra Public Libraries Association, explained the categorization system: "Depending on the population it caters to, the number of books it has, etc., the libraries are divided into four categories." He criticized the government's spending priorities, noting, "The government spends crores of rupees organizing useless events. But when it comes to modernizing libraries, it turns a blind eye."
Voices From the Library Frontlines
Ram Mekale, a retired librarian from a 'B'-tier library in Latur and recipient of the state government's Grantha Mitra award in 2010, shared his heartbreaking experience. "The authorities finally increased the pay to ₹6,880 in 2023-24 in the village where I worked. It was just over ₹1,000 till then. We gave our lives to this job, which paid us a pittance." Mekale lamented never receiving promised concessions or facilities despite his award, urging, "There is a need to change this system, modernize the libraries."
The financial constraints extend beyond personal salaries. Patil highlighted the impossible arithmetic facing 'D' category libraries: "The 'D' category library gets ₹53,334 per year as a grant from the government, from which 50% of the money is for the salary of the librarian, while the remaining is expected to be spent on the light bill, rent, buying new books, paying for periodicals, newspapers, etc. How is a library and a librarian expected to survive on around ₹25,000 a year?"
Broader Demands and Historical Context
Beyond immediate salary increases, librarians are demanding comprehensive library upgrades, pension schemes, and consistent salary grants. Gajanan Kotewar, president of the Maharashtra State Libraries Association, confirmed their protest march will proceed from Vinoba Bhave's Pavnar Ashram to the Wardha secretariat.
"There are people who have worked 30-40 years in libraries in the hope that the state government will finally understand the importance of the job, but that has not happened," Kotewar stated from Wardha. He emphasized the fundamental nature of their demands: "What we are demanding is the bare minimum. The amendment in 2024 to the Libraries Act had nothing about funding. Without proper funding, no institute can survive."
According to the Directorate of Libraries' website, Maharashtra currently boasts 11,150 libraries employing approximately 20,000 people. The state's library movement, inspired by the "gaanv thithe granthalaya" (a library in every village) vision, made Maharashtra one of the first states after Independence to pass legislation ensuring citizens, even in remote areas, had access to reading materials.
Patil underscored libraries' crucial societal role in today's information age: "What is more important is that libraries help fight fake news on social media and other platforms because people get access to newspapers. MPSC students from villages who can't afford books get free books and newspapers, and periodicals. If we want a society that reads and understands, we need to fund libraries."
The government has taken some steps toward addressing these concerns. In 2020, then higher and technical education minister Uday Samant promised the state assembly a new public library policy, noting the state had 12,149 recognized public libraries. Since 2012-13, permissions for new libraries or upgradation of existing ones had been frozen.
Finally, on June 19 this year, the state issued a government resolution announcing the formation of a nine-member committee headed by Rajanish Kamat, vice-chancellor of Dr Homi Bhabha State University, Mumbai, and including Nanaji Shewale, librarian at Dr Gadgil Library, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. This committee was tasked with reviewing and modernizing library functions and recommending a new Maharashtra State Public Library Policy. However, the report remains pending as librarians prepare to take their grievances to the streets.
