Tamil Nadu investigators probe alleged library book procurement scam
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption has started an inquiry into claims of fictitious authors and irregular book purchases.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has launched an investigation into an alleged procurement scam involving books for public libraries in Tamil Nadu, according to the Indian Express. The probe follows a government complaint regarding irregularities in book purchases, which reportedly include volumes attributed to non-existent authors.
Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education A Rajmohan said investigators have begun inquiries at Chennai’s Anna Centenary Library. He stated that around 3,000 books suspected to be part of the scam in Coimbatore have been sealed, while 523 books were identified at the Connemara Library.
The controversy follows allegations by novelist Perumal Murugan regarding expensive and error-filled books at the Periyar Arivulagam library in Coimbatore. Minister Rajmohan alleged that a network has used artificial intelligence and various publishing identities to supply books to collections across the state.
Rajmohan cited instances of borrowed authorship, noting that economist Jean Dreze denied writing a book titled ‘Democracy and People’s Right in the Contemporary World’ which entered Madurai’s Kalaignar Centenary Library in 2023. He also alleged that 20 publishing-house names were used as proxies.
The DMK has called for an independent inquiry and accused the government of political exploitation. Rajmohan stated that the ongoing investigation will determine how purchase orders were obtained and noted that a committee of experts will be formed to oversee transparent purchases by December.