Bengaluru
A recent decision to re-evaluate the book selection process for the year 2020 by a newly formed state-level book selection committee has sparked controversy and concern among publishers in City. The saga began when, under the Ekavakshi scheme of the Public Library Department, a state-level book selection committee was established by the previous BJP government, led by Chairperson Sahiti Doddarange Gowda. This committee had successfully selected books for the year 2020 last year. However, the selected list of books was never approved or underwent the purchase process, primarily due to various reasons, including the allocation of reserved funds for other projects. In a recent development, the current Congress government reconstituted the state-level book selection committee, appointing Sahiti Karigowda Beachanahalli as the new chairperson. This committee, acting on the department’s instructions, has revisited the previously finalized book list, causing further delays in the book purchase process for the year 2020. Publishers and writers had repeatedly urged both the former BJP and the current Congress government to approve the previously selected book list for 2020 and initiate the purchase process. The reevaluation has raised suspicions among publishers that certain titles may have been excluded from the list. A member of the book selection committee clarified that they followed department instructions to review the 2020 book list but did not undertake a re-selection process. The delay and uncertainty surrounding this matter may have far-reaching consequences, as many publishers and authors depend on the library department’s wholesale purchases. Under the Ekavakshi scheme, the department acquires 300 copies of each selected title, but the delay in book procurement may impact the publishing industry in the state.
