The Gujarat Public Libraries Act, 2001

{
    "id": 16840,
    "slug": "the-gujarat-public-libraries-act-2001",
    "title": "The Gujarat Public Libraries Act, 2001",
    "short_title": "The Gujarat Public Libraries Act, 2001",
    "act_number": "Gujarat Act No. 25 of 2001",
    "act_year": 2001,
    "act_type": "STATE",
    "location": "Gujarat",
    "law_status": "unknown",
    "enactment_date": null,
    "description": "The Gujarat Public Libraries Act, 2001",
    "preamble": "",
    "section_label": "Section",
    "sections": [
        {
            "number": "1",
            "title": "1. Short title, extent and commencement.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 0
        },
        {
            "number": "2",
            "title": "2. Definitions.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) \"Book\" includes,-\n(i) every volume, part or division of a volume and pamphlet in any language;\n(ii) manuscript in any form;\n(iii) every sheet of music, map, graph, chart or plan separately printed or lithographed;\n(iv) newspapers, periodicals, paintings, posters, photographs, photographic reproduction, gramophonic records, audio-video tapes, floppy, compact discs, slides, microfilms and film scripts for audio visual information and such other materials;\n(v) computer output in any form and computer programmes;\n(b) \"Book deposit center\" means a center where books are deposited and members of the public can borrow;\n(c) \"Book service center\" means a center where members of the library can borrow books through a mobile library;\n(d) \"Council\" means the Gujarat State Library Development Council constituted under section 3;\n(e) \"Director\" means the Director of Public Libraries;\n(f) \"District\" means a revenue district;\n(g) \"Education Committee\" means an Education Committee of a district panchayat constituted under clause (iii) of sub-section (1) of section 145 of the Gujarat Panchayats Act, 1993 (Gujarat 18 of 1993);\n(h) \"Extension service\" means and includes the activities pertaining to preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and encouraging the intellectual, literary and scientific character of the community;\n(i) \"Library\" means and includes collection of books, book deposit center or book service center providing library service or extension service;\n(j) \"Library service\" means and includes providing reading facilities, lending out Books to the members of the library and assisting the readers to produce book and relevant information;\n(k) \"Members of the library\" means registered members of the library;\n(l) \"Local Authority\" means a municipal corporation, a municipality, a panchayat, including notified area and cantonment constituted under the relevant local authority law;\n(m) \"Municipal School Board\" means a Municipal School Board as defined in clause (ii) of sub-section (ii) of section 2 of the Bombay Primary Education Act, 1947 (Bombay 61 of 1947);\n(n) \"Municipality\" includes the person or committee appointed under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 264B of the Gujarat Municipalities Act, 1963 (Gujarat 34 of 1964) for any notified area;\n(o) \"prescribed\" means prescribed by rules;\n(p) \"President\" means the President of the Council;\n(q) \"Public library\" means;\n(i) a library, within the public library system of the State.\n(ii) a library recognised by the Director under section 20;\n(iii) any other library which the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette , declare to be a public library for the purposes of this Act;\n(r) \"Public library system\" means a set up of public libraries in the State with the State Central Library at the apex and village libraries at the bottom;\n(s) \"Public library association\" means a public library association recognised under section 21;\n(t) \"Relevant local Authority law\" means-\n(i) in relation to a municipal corporation, the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949 (Bombay LIX of 1949);\n(ii) in relation to a Municipality, the Gujarat Municipalities Act, 1963 (Gujarat 34 of 1964);\n(iii) in relation to a district panchayat, the Gujarat Panchayats Act, 1993(Gujarat 18 of 1993);\n(iv) in relation to a cantonment, the Cantonment Act, 1924 (2 of 1924).\n(u) \"rules\" or \"regulations\" means the rules or regulations made under this Act;\n(v) \"State\" means the State of Gujarat;\n(w) \"taluka\" means the revenue taluka;\n(x) \"year\" means the financial year.\nChapter II\nState Library Development Council",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": true,
            "sort_order": 1
        },
        {
            "number": "3",
            "title": "3. Constitution OF State Library Development Council.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(i) The Minister-in-charge of Libraries, Gujarat State, who shall be the ex-officio president of the council;\n(ii) The Secretary to the Government of Gujarat, in charge of Libraries;\n(iii) Two members to be nominated by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from amongst its members;\n(iv) Two members to be nominated by the State Government from amongst the Chairpersons of all the District Education Committees;\n(v) One member to be nominated by the State Government from amongst the Chairpersons of all Municipal Schools Boards;\n(vi) One representative of public library associations to be nominated by the State Government;\n(vii) Three representatives from public libraries run by voluntary agencies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (XXI of 1860), or under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 (Bombay XXIX of 1950) or under Gujarat Co-operative Societies Act, 1961 (Gujarat X of 1962), to be elected from amongst themselves in such manner as may be presented;\n(viii) Two persons from amongst renowned educationists having at least ten years of experience in the field of higher education to be nominated by the State Government;\n(ix) Two persons to be nominated by the State Government, each one from amongst persons having special knowledge and experience in library services and library and information science respectively;\n(x) Officer-in-charge of the State Central Library;\n(xi) The Chairperson of Gujarat Sahitya Academy;\n(xii) The Chairperson of Gujarat Sahitya Parishad;\n(xiii) One representative to be nominated by the State Government from amongst the registered public trusts mainly carrying out the activities of the publication of books;\n(xiv) One person to be co-opted by the Council.\n(xv) The Director of Public Libraries, who shall be the Secretary of the Council.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 2
        },
        {
            "number": "4",
            "title": "4. Head quarters of the Council.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 3
        },
        {
            "number": "5",
            "title": "5. Powers and functions of the Council.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(i) to advise the State Government or reference made to it or its own motion, in regard to all matters connected with the administration of this Act and the rules;\n(ii) to approve the expenditure out of the State Library Development Fund in accordance with the rules;\n(iii) to direct the measures to be taken for promotion of the use of books and to cultivate the reading habits among the community;\n(iv) to consider the annual report on the working, administration and progress of public libraries prepared under section 24 and to make suggestions and recommendations thereon;\n(v) to review from time to time, based upon the reports and inspections made under sections 22 and 23 respectively, the working and administration of all public libraries and public library associations and to suggest such ways and means to remove difficulties in becoming more useful and effective instruments of public education and library service;\n(vi) to make recommendations to the State Government as regards the measures to be taken for the improvement of the administration of public libraries;\n(vii) to suggest the norms and standards of performance as criteria for eligibility for the purpose of grant-in-aid or other financial assistance to public libraries and public library associations,\n(viii) to suggest the formula for fixing the quantum of grant-in-aid\n(ix) to advise the State Government with regard to the objects and purposes for financial assistance other than grant-in-aid and the terms and conditions to be fulfilled for such assistance;\n(x) to make suggestions and recommendations for annual development plan for libraries;\n(xi) to organise and conduct library seminars, meetings and conference;\n(xii) to prepare consolidated programme in the sphere of library service in accordance with the guidelines issued by the State Government from time to time;\n(xiii) to suggest for organisation and promotion of efficient library service in the State;\n(xiv) to suggest for raising finances and for promotion of library service;\n(xv) to prepare long term and short term plans for improving the library service in the State;\n(xvi) to exercise such powers, and to perform such functions, as are conferred on, or entrusted to it by or under this Act or the rules made thereunder.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 4
        },
        {
            "number": "6",
            "title": "6. Term of office of members.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 5
        },
        {
            "number": "7",
            "title": "7. Filling up of vacancy.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 6
        },
        {
            "number": "8",
            "title": "8. Meetings of Council.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 7
        },
        {
            "number": "9",
            "title": "9. Constitution of Committees.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 8
        },
        {
            "number": "10",
            "title": "10. Payment of allowances to members of Council.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter III\nDirector of Public Libraries",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 9
        },
        {
            "number": "11",
            "title": "11. Director of Public Libraries.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 10
        },
        {
            "number": "12",
            "title": "12. Functions of Director.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) supervise all matters relating to public libraries;\n(b) promote the establishment and development of public libraries;\n(c) be responsible for planning, maintenance, promotion and development of public libraries, organisation of public library system;\n(d) recognise any institution or service conducting the training courses in library service and library and information science, and organise programmes for training of the staff of public libraries and other persons;\n(e) maintain a register of recognised libraries and publish names and addresses of such libraries;\n(f) administer and maintain accounts of the State Library Development Fund and ensure its proper utilisation;\n(g) arrange for collecting and preserving old and rare books, manuscripts and other documents of educative value in public libraries;\n(h) conduct inspection of and render advisory service to the public libraries and public library associations;\n(i) to implement recommendations of the Council as have been approved by the Government;\n(j) administer the schemes and rules and regulations for grant-in-aid and other financial assistance to public libraries, public library associations and recognised training institutions and sanction and disburse such amount in accordance with the scheme, rules and guidelines made in this behalf, from time to time.\n(k) prepare and submit report as required under section 24;\n(l) exercise such other powers and perform such other functions and duties, as may be conferred or imposed on him by or under this Act and the rules.\nChapter IV\nPublic Library System",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 11
        },
        {
            "number": "13",
            "title": "13. Public Libraries.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 12
        },
        {
            "number": "14",
            "title": "14. Establishment and management of the District and Taluka Libraries.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 13
        },
        {
            "number": "15",
            "title": "15. Constitution of District and Taluka Library Advisory Committees.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(i) the Collector of the district, who shall be the ex-offico Chairman of the committee;\n(ii) one representative of the public library association of the district;\n(iii) one expert in library services or library and information science;\n(iv) one Principal of a college in the district.\n(v) one Principal or Head-master of a high-school or higher secondary school in the district;\n(vi) one Head-master of a primary school in the district.\n(vii) one representative of the public libraries run by voluntary agencies in the district;\n(viii) one lady librarian in the district;\n(ix) the Assistant Director of Public Libraries in-charge of the district;\n(x) The Librarian of the district library, who shall act as the secretary of the Committee;\n(i) the Mamlatdar of the Taluka concerned, who shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the committee;\n(ii) one representative of the public library association of the district;\n(iii) one expert in library services or library and information science;\n(iv) one Principal of a college in the taluka, if any;\n(v) one Head master of high school in the taluka;\n(vi) one Head master of a primary school in the taluka;\n(vii) one lady librarian in the taluka, if any;\n(viii) one representative of the public libraries run by voluntary agencies in the taluka;\n(ix) the librarian of the taluka library, who shall act as the secretary of the committee.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 14
        },
        {
            "number": "16",
            "title": "16. Functions of Advisory Committees.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter V\nFinance for Public Libraries",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 15
        },
        {
            "number": "17",
            "title": "17. Budget for public libraries.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) to carry out the purposes of this Act and rules;\n(b) to establish new public libraries in the State;\n(c) maintenance and development of the public libraries in the State;\n(d) payment of grant-in-aid and other financial assistance to the public libraries, public library associations and recognised institutions conducting training courses in library services and library and information science;\n(e) such other purposes as may be prescribed.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 16
        },
        {
            "number": "18",
            "title": "18. State Library Development Fund.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) grant received from the State Government other than grant specified in sub-section (2) of section 17;\n(b) any contributions or special grants form the Central Government for modernisation and development of public libraries;\n(c) all money received by way of contributions or gifts made by the public or any other agency for modernisation and development of public libraries.\n(a) modernisation and development of public libraries in the State;\n(b) payment of allowances to the members of the Council under section 10;\n(c) such other purposes as may be prescribed.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 17
        },
        {
            "number": "19",
            "title": "19. Vesting of property held for the purpose of public libraries.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter VI\nRecognition of Public Libraries and Public Library Associations",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 18
        },
        {
            "number": "20",
            "title": "20. Recognition of public libraries.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 19
        },
        {
            "number": "21",
            "title": "21. Recognition of public library association.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter VII\nReports and Inspection",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 20
        },
        {
            "number": "22",
            "title": "22. Reports and returns.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 21
        },
        {
            "number": "23",
            "title": "23. Inspection of Public Libraries and Public Library Associations.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 22
        },
        {
            "number": "24",
            "title": "24. Submission of Annual report.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter VIII\nMiscellaneous",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 23
        },
        {
            "number": "25",
            "title": "25. Member of the Council to be public servant.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 24
        },
        {
            "number": "26",
            "title": "26. Protection of action taken in good faith.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 25
        },
        {
            "number": "27",
            "title": "27. Acts and proceedings of Council presumed to be valid.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) any vacancy therein or any defect in constitution thereof, or\n(b) any irregularity in its procedure not affecting the merits of the case.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 26
        },
        {
            "number": "28",
            "title": "28. Power to make rules.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) manner for electing representatives from public libraries under clause (vii) of sub-section (2) of section 3;\n(b) the powers, duties and function to be performed by the President under sub-section (4) of section 3;\n(c) the expenditure out of the State Library Development Fund to be approved under clause (ii) of section 5;\n(d) such other powers and functions which may be exercised and performed by the Council under clause (xvi) of section 5;\n(e) the allowances payable to members of the Council and its committee and the rates at which they shall be payable under section 10;\n(f) other powers, functions and duties to be exercised and performed by the Director under clause (1) of sub-section (2) of section 12;\n(g) subject to which the State Government may designate Library as State Central Library under section 13;\n(h) the functions to be performed by the District Library Advisory Committee and the Taluka Library Advisory Committee under section 16;\n(i) other purposes for which the sanctioned grant may be utilised under clause (e) of sub-section (2) of section 17;\n(j) Other purposes for which State Library Development Fund may be utilized under clause (c) of sub-section (3) of section 18;\n(k) rules for recognising public libraries under section 20;\n(l) rules for recognising public library associations under section 21;\n(m) the information and particulars to be included in the annual report under section 24;\n(n) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed under this Act.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 27
        },
        {
            "number": "29",
            "title": "29. Power to make regulations.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) the time, date and place at which the Council shall meet and the rules of procedure the Council shall observe in regard to transaction of its business at its meeting under sub-section (1) of section 8;\n(b) other committees which council may constitute, the number of members which the committee may consist of and functions which may be performed by such committee under section 9.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 28
        }
    ],
    "metadata": {
        "Act ID": "guj165",
        "Act Number": "Gujarat Act No. 25 of 2001",
        "Enactment Date": "",
        "Act Year": "2001",
        "Short Title": "The Gujarat Public Libraries Act, 2001",
        "Type": "STATE",
        "Location": "Gujarat"
    },
    "updated_at": "2026-09-29 21:55:19"
}