7th CPC Report of the view that the posts are appropriately placed and no upgrade is justified to Library Staff

Library Staff : Libraries exist in almost all the major ministries and departments of the Central Government. Based on the recommendations of a Review Committee chaired by Professor D.P. Chattopadhyay, these libraries have been categorised. The categories range from Level I to Level VI, with the National Library, Kolkata being categorised in highest Level VI.

The Commission has received memoranda from various library staff associations. They have highlighted the issue of stagnation of librarians across ministries. Demands for upgrades for all levels have also been made.

Analysis and Recommendations : The hierarchy of library staff is given below:

The Commission has studied the educational qualifications required and the job profile of different levels. The Commission is of the view that the posts are appropriately placed and no upgrade is justified. The Commission, however, suggests that the Ministry of Culture as the nodal ministry for this category, carry out a census of Central Government librarians.

This would give a better picture of the extent of the problem on account of isolated or ‘stub’ posts, so that career progression alternatives could be worked out and the problems of stagnation can be suitably addressed.