📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Michael Gäbler
Education
Tamil Nadu to Cancel Library Book Orders, New Transparent Procurement Policy Planned
✍️ The New Indian Express
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 09:03 AM
👁 11
The Tamil Nadu government will withdraw all pending library book procurement orders and will introduce a new transparent purchasing policy, Minister A. Rajmohan announced.
Chennai: The state government of Tamil Nadu announced on Wednesday that it will cancel all existing orders for books intended for public libraries. The decision was disclosed by Minister A. Rajmohan during a press briefing, citing the need to overhaul the procurement process.
The ministry said the current system lacked sufficient transparency and accountability, leading to concerns over cost overruns and delayed deliveries. By halting the pending orders, the government aims to prevent further inefficiencies while a new framework is drafted.
Officials indicated that a revised procurement policy, built on clear criteria and open bidding, will be rolled out within the next few weeks. Once the policy is in place, libraries will be invited to submit fresh requests under the new guidelines, ensuring fair competition among publishers.
The cancellation will affect dozens of library projects across the state, but the government assured that essential services will continue uninterrupted through existing stock.
Stakeholders, including library associations and book vendors, have been asked to cooperate with the transition and provide feedback on the upcoming policy.
The ministry said the current system lacked sufficient transparency and accountability, leading to concerns over cost overruns and delayed deliveries. By halting the pending orders, the government aims to prevent further inefficiencies while a new framework is drafted.
Officials indicated that a revised procurement policy, built on clear criteria and open bidding, will be rolled out within the next few weeks. Once the policy is in place, libraries will be invited to submit fresh requests under the new guidelines, ensuring fair competition among publishers.
The cancellation will affect dozens of library projects across the state, but the government assured that essential services will continue uninterrupted through existing stock.
Stakeholders, including library associations and book vendors, have been asked to cooperate with the transition and provide feedback on the upcoming policy.