Amend service rules, state library assn urges Education Minister

Reiterating its long-standing demand for the revision of qualifications for the posts of Librarian and Senior Librarian in government colleges and district libraries, the Haryana Library Association (HLA) has sought amendments to the Haryana Education College Grade Service Rules, 1986.

Terming the rules outdated, the association has submitted a memorandum to Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda and demanded amendments to the rules to align them with the latest University Grants Commission (UGC) standards.

Pradeep Beniwal, an HLA representative, said that the problem was not limited to colleges. “Many government schools in Haryana have libraries but lack professionally qualified librarians. This severely impacts students’ ability to develop critical reading and learning habits,” he said.

The HLA has urged the state government to revise the service rules of 1986 to comply with the latest UGC standards, initiate recruitment drives to appoint qualified librarians in government colleges and district libraries as per UGC guidelines, and create new posts of qualified librarians in government schools, following CBSE standards, to improve library services and promote reading culture.

Ravi Kumar, an HLA member, emphasized the urgency of these reforms. “It has been five decades since the last direct recruitment for these posts. The educational landscape has drastically changed and the state government must comply with UGC standards. Libraries, even at the village level, must be developed to cater to today’s knowledge-driven society. This cannot be achieved without the appointment of qualified professionals,” he said.

HLA president Dr Rupesh Gaur said that the existing qualifications under the 1986 rules, requiring only a Bachelor’s degree with a second division in Library Science or a Postgraduate degree with a Diploma in Library Science are outdated and inconsistent with UGC norms.

“The UGC standards mandate a master’s degree with a minimum of 55 per cent marks in Library and Information Science, along with NET qualification or a PhD. This discrepancy has created a significant barrier for highly qualified candidates and has resulted in a shortage of skilled professionals in our academic and public institutions. The government-aided private colleges in Haryana have already adopted UGC standards, but state-run institutions are lagging behind, exacerbating the issue. The Education Minister has assured the association that he would address these concerns promptly and pave the way for the modernisation of library services,” said Dr Rupesh Gaur.