Wed Dec 24 17:40:56 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Kannada publishers are planning a protest due to the Karnataka Department of Public Libraries (DPL) failing to purchase books for the past four years. This is attributed to local bodies not transferring the Library Cess collected from property taxes to the DPL. The DPL is owed a significant ₹526.83 crore, with the former Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) being the largest defaulter. Publishers also claim the DPL has not actively pursued the collection of these funds, further crippling the Kannada publishing industry. While the Minister for School Education and Literacy acknowledges the issue and promises action, publishers remain skeptical and intend to protest.

News Article:

Karnataka Libraries in Crisis: Publishers to Protest as Funding Shortfall Cripples Book Purchases

Bengaluru, December 24, 2025 – Kannada publishers are threatening to take to the streets in protest over a severe funding crisis plaguing the state’s public library system. The Karnataka Department of Public Libraries (DPL), responsible for 1,131 libraries, has not purchased new books since 2021, leaving libraries outdated and severely impacting the Kannada publishing industry.

The root of the problem lies in the irregular transfer of Library Cess, a tax collected by local bodies as part of property taxes, to the DPL. According to official figures, the DPL is owed a staggering ₹526.83 crore. The former Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), now divided into five corporations, accounts for the largest portion of the shortfall, owing ₹461.04 crore. Mysuru is another major defaulter, with an outstanding of ₹20.49 crore.

“Our sources say that the DPL hasn’t even written a single letter to the Urban Development Department over the last two years, asking it to transfer Library Cess they collected,” a publisher said.

Publishers accuse the DPL of failing to actively pursue the collection of these funds, further exacerbating the crisis. “The DPL also has an outstanding of ₹6.86 crore to publishers and writers for the books it has already procured,” stated Srushti Nagesh, a publisher. “We are left with no option but to stage a protest demonstration against the government.”

The Minister for School Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, addressed the issue in the Karnataka Legislative Council, stating that the process of procuring books published in 2022 is underway. He also announced plans to form a selection committee to acquire books published in 2023 and 2024.

However, publishers remain unconvinced by these promises, citing previous unfulfilled commitments. They insist that urgent action is needed to ensure the financial stability of the DPL and to revitalize the Kannada publishing industry. The planned protest underscores the growing frustration and highlights the urgent need for a resolution to this ongoing crisis.

Read More