Economist Jean Drèze flags fake book found in Tamil Nadu public libraries

UPDATE - follow-up to Jean Drèze urges T.N. govt. to take strict action amid report of 'fake book' at Kalaignar Centenary Library: Economist Jean Drèze stated that an English-language book found in Tamil Nadu public libraries and attributed to him is completely fake. The title in question is called Democracy and Peoples Right in the Contemporary World and was reportedly found in Madurai's Kalaignar Centenary Library. Mr. Drèze stated via e-mail that he is baffled by the book and has never authored such a text.

Action Demanded

Mr. Drèze urged the Tamil Nadu government to take strict and swift action against the publishers and other culprits involved. He noted that stopping this issue is crucial to stem the rot before it spreads, especially if the text was artificially generated.

Library Procurement

The economist questioned the procurement checks used by public libraries, pointing out that verifying the book's authenticity should have taken little effort. Media reports indicate the book was procured from Phoenix Publishers on June 25, 2023, before the library was officially opened. The address of Phoenix Publishers matches that of Akal Vilakku Publishers, and the title carries a valid International Standard Book Number. Madurai's Kalaignar Centenary Library was later opened on July 15, 2023, by the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Context

Public libraries follow specific procurement processes to select and buy books for public use, making the presence of an unverified or fake title an unusual lapse in checks. Cases involving fake books or questionable publishing practices raise concerns about quality control within state-run distribution systems.