Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Viswanathan has said those found responsible for alleged irregularities in the purchase of books for state libraries will be punished, as an investigation examines tender details, suppliers and the amounts involved.
Speaking to reporters at a private college graduation ceremony in Arasanur, Sivaganga district, the minister said there was clear evidence in the alleged irregularities involving purchases for libraries, including the E.V.R. Library in Coimbatore. He said the investigation would establish how the books were procured, in whose names tenders were issued and for what amounts.
The minister’s statement places the matter within the state’s public procurement and library administration systems. The report does not provide details of the alleged financial loss, the number of contracts under examination, the names of suppliers or the agencies conducting the inquiry. No findings from the investigation were cited in the report.
Viswanathan said the book procurement process during the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government was being examined. He also said the School Education Minister and officials were conducting an inquiry based on evidence. His statement did not specify when the alleged irregularities were detected or whether any criminal case, departmental action or recovery process had been initiated.
The minister said that anyone found to have committed wrongdoing would face punishment, regardless of their identity. The assurance comes as public procurement for libraries remains linked to the functioning of state-supported reading and learning facilities. Procurement decisions determine which books reach libraries, how public funds are spent and whether institutions receive materials through transparent and competitive processes.
The report also carries the minister’s comments on higher education funding and university administration. He said ₹8,000 crore had been allocated to higher education, including construction and facilities required by students. The report does not identify the budget year or provide a division of the allocation between buildings, student facilities and other heads.
Viswanathan further said that vice-chancellors had been appointed only at Mother Teresa Women’s University among Tamil Nadu’s 13 universities. He said senior professors would function as vice-chancellors at the other universities by December. The statement did not identify the universities involved or clarify whether these arrangements would be temporary appointments or additional-charge responsibilities.
The next official milestones in the library procurement matter will be the findings of the ongoing inquiry, identification of the tender and procurement records under review, and any disciplinary or legal action announced by the state authorities.
