Tiruchi Library Book Order Cancelled After Coimbatore Fake Books Row

The state has cancelled the book procurement order for the under-construction Kamarajar Grand Library and Intellectual Centre in Tiruchi. This decision follows alleged irregularities involving fake and AI-generated books meant for the Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore.

Action Taken

The Director of Public Libraries issued proceedings to cancel the order based on instructions from the Secretary of the School Education Department. Publishers must now take back their book submissions that were stored at the District Central Library in Tiruchi. A total of 136 publishers had sent in their books for the project, leaving 217 unopened bundles in storage.

Financial Status

The library project had planned to buy books worth about ₹30 crore in Tamil and English. No money has been spent under this head yet because publishers send books for checks in advance and payment happens only at the time of purchase. The official order to cancel the procurement was issued on November 6.

Context

Public libraries in Tamil Nadu routinely procure books in bulk from various publishers to stock reading facilities across districts. When controversies arise over procurement processes, authorities often pause ongoing orders to investigate and ensure transparency before spending public funds.