Multiple municipal bodies in Kerala have failed to remit the library cess collected from property taxes, leaving the State Library Council in a severe funding crunch. The council is now preparing legal action against the defaulters.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Kerala municipal corporations have defaulted on library cess payments.
  • Total outstanding amount is roughly ₹50 crore.
  • State Library Council is gearing up for legal proceedings.

Several local self‑government institutions across Kerala have systematically failed to transfer the statutory library cess—collected as a 5% surcharge on property and building taxes—to the State Library Council, precipitating an unprecedented financial crisis for the council.

Legal Framework of the Library Cess

Under the Kerala Public Libraries Act of 1989, every local authority is mandated to levy a 5% library cess on property taxes. The collected amount must be deposited into the State Library Council’s account within three months of collection, and it is earmarked for library development, book grants, and infrastructure upgrades.

Major Defaulters and Outstanding Amounts

Official documents reveal that the Kochi Municipal Corporation tops the defaulter list, withholding an alarming ₹22.56 crore. The year‑wise breakdown shows a rising trend: ₹2.76 crore for FY 2022‑23, ₹5.63 crore for FY 2023‑24, ₹7.48 crore for FY 2024‑25, and ₹6.69 crore for the recently concluded FY 2025‑26. Thiruvananthapuram follows closely, with a single‑year shortfall of ₹5.28 crore for FY 2025‑26, despite clearing earlier dues. Kollam Corporation carries a three‑year liability of ₹3.83 crore, and Kozhikode Corporation owes ₹3.46 crore for FY 2024‑25.

Wider Municipal Shortfalls

The issue extends beyond a handful of corporations. Municipalities such as Palakkad, Alappuzha, Muvattupuzha, and several district panchayats have also defaulted, compounding the cash‑flow bottleneck that hampers the distribution of essential book grants and new library projects across the state.

Impending Legal Action

V.K. Madhu, Secretary of the State Library Council, emphasized that “if a local body fails to remit the cess before the due date, the heads of the institution are personally liable for a 2% per month penalty on the defaulted amount.” Despite this stringent provision, many officials have remained inactive, prompting the council to prepare legal proceedings against the major defaulters.

Legal recourse aims not only to recover the overdue funds but also to reinforce accountability within Kerala’s local governance structure, ensuring that public library services—vital for education and community development—are adequately funded.