Why can't the State Central Library accept UPI payments?

The library needs to establish its own bank account to facilitate digital payments, but this process requires extensive permissions and is currently stalled.

What infrastructure problems does the State Central Library face?

The library suffers from a lack of shelves and storage units, leading to books being kept on the floor in some sections.

Who is most affected by the State Central Library's cash-only policy?

Students and young people preparing for competitive examinations, who prefer digital transactions, are particularly inconvenienced.

Home / Education / State Library's Cash-Only Policy Frustrates Users

State Library's Cash-Only Policy Frustrates Users

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Digital payment facility for membership and overdue fees is unavailable.
Lack of infrastructure forces books to be displayed on the floor.
Library needs a bank account for digital payment, facing bureaucratic hurdles.

State Library's Cash-Only Policy Frustrates Users

The State Central Library, recognized as one of Kerala's premier public libraries, is currently not offering digital payment options for its services. This oversight inconveniences many users, particularly students, who are unable to pay membership fees or overdue charges using UPI. Despite the government's broader digitization initiatives, the library's adoption of simple digital payment methods is stalled. The primary obstacle is the requirement for the library to establish its own bank account, a process that demands significant bureaucratic approvals.

Compounding the issue is the library's poor infrastructure. Although budget allocations exist, necessary improvements such as additional shelves and storage units are lacking. Visitors observe that certain sections appear dilapidated, with books even being kept on the floor in the Malayalam section due to insufficient furniture. This lack of basic facilities detracts from the reader experience, contrasting with the library's status as a key resource for competitive exam preparation and general readership.