Maharashtra Govt Unveils New Grading System To Modernise Public Libraries
Maharashtra Govt Unveils New Grading System To Modernise Public Libraries
Pune, May 28, 2025 — In a major step towards improving the state’s public library infrastructure, Maharashtra’s higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil announced a new classification system for libraries on Tuesday. The initiative is aimed at promoting modernisation, transparency, and increased accessibility of library services across the state.
Speaking during a presentation by the Directorate of Libraries at the Mantralaya, Patil outlined that libraries would now be graded into four categories — A, B, C, and D — based on the volume of their collections.
Under the new system:
- Grade A libraries must have more than 15,000 books.
- Grade B libraries must maintain a minimum of 5,001 books.
- Grade C libraries must house at least 1,001 books.
- Grade D libraries must hold over 500 books.
“These benchmarks will serve as an incentive for libraries to grow their collections and improve service standards,” said Patil. The session was attended by senior officials including library director Ashok Gadekar and deputy secretary of higher education Ashok Mande.
Patil stressed the need to leverage technology for better governance and transparency. He instructed the department to establish an online portal to manage the grading and regrading of libraries. The system will allow for smoother, more efficient classification and help eligible institutions access government support faster.
“Digital transformation is essential for modern library services. With a tech-driven approach, we can ensure broader reach and improved resource access for citizens,” Patil added.
The meeting also covered key issues such as library management systems, allocation of government grants, the performance of district and divisional libraries, and the formation of local library committees. Plans for a comprehensive state library policy were also discussed.
As part of the grading reform, specific criteria have been defined for upgrading a library’s status. For example, a ‘D’ grade library will need at least 1,001 books to be promoted to ‘C’, while a ‘C’ grade library must cross 5,000 books to reach ‘B’. To attain ‘A’ grade, a library must hold over 15,000 books.
The government believes the revised framework will raise standards, ensure better management, and make libraries more responsive to the needs of readers and students alike.
