Maharashtra Librarians' Plea: Triple Pay or Protest

Librarians across Maharashtra are preparing for a protest march in Wardha on December 9, citing years of neglect by the state government. The librarians, who are custodians of community hubs inspired by the "library in every village" movement, earn distressingly low salaries, with the highest category receiving just Rs 6,800 and the lowest Rs 2,223 per month. They are demanding a threefold increase in remuneration and better benefits, arguing that government funds are misallocated.

The current financial support for libraries is critically insufficient. A 'D' category library receives an annual grant of Rs 53,334, with half earmarked for the librarian's salary, leaving approximately Rs 25,000 for all operational costs including rent, utilities, and new books. Librarians stress the importance of their role in combating fake news and supporting students, urging for modernization and consistent funding.

Efforts for reform, including promises of a new public library policy and the formation of a review committee, have been slow. Permissions for new libraries have been frozen since 2012-13. The librarians advocate for a new policy that addresses funding, pension schemes, and salary grants to ensure the survival and modernization of these essential institutions.