748 vacancies plague Telangana’s library system
HYDERABAD: Telangana’s public library system faces a severe staff shortage, with 748 sanctioned posts vacant across the state, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The government has collected a cess for decades for public libraries, yet the state’s library system remains in disrepair. This contradiction raises doubts about the government’s commitment to building a knowledgeable society or realizing its flagship “Prajapalana” (People’s Governance) initiative.
Hyderabad worst affected with 197 vacancies
Data from the Director of Public Libraries shows a critical staff deficit in the Zilla Grandhalaya Samsthas (ZGS) network. Hyderabad district faces the most severe shortage, with 197 vacancies, raising concerns about the operational capacity of libraries in the state capital.
Other districts with significant vacancies include Nizamabad (38), Khammam (34), Nalgonda (29), Vikarabad (28), and Kamareddy (27), with smaller districts also reporting double-digit vacancies. The total of 748 vacant positions indicates a statewide staffing crisis that is affecting access to library services and effective library operations.
The information was provided in response to an RTI application filed by Hyderabad-based RTI activist Kareem Ansari in April 2025. The Public Information Officer’s reply, dated December 2, 2025, also stated that lists of all public and aided libraries, along with details of libraries established after 1950 that are non-functional, were sent separately via email.
Further Kareem Ansari told HyderabadMail, “Overall, the data highlight a systemic shortage of staff across almost all districts, which may severely impact public library functioning, service delivery, and community access to knowledge resources. The state government should take immediate steps for recruitment, redistribution of staff, or temporary engagement measures that may be required to ensure the smooth functioning of Zilla Grandhalaya Samsthas statewide.”
This crisis shows a gap in the government’s dedication to public education infrastructure. Fully staffed libraries are essential for literacy, student support, and community enrichment.
Cess collected, Services denied
Speaking to HyderabadMail Sangishetty Srinivas, a Telangana historian and activist said, “For decades, citizens have paid an additional cess alongside their house tax, specifically earmarked for library services. Yet, an RTI reply has now revealed a shocking truth, 748 librarian posts lie vacant statewide. This systemic neglect has rendered many libraries hollow shells, struggling to function even in district headquarters with just a single staff member.”
Srinivas added that many libraries lack enough books, newspapers, and even basic facilities such as internet connectivity. He said this neglect contradicts the state’s celebration of occasions like National Library Week, which ended on 28 November.
The issue is made worse by the alleged failure to use available external resources. Foundations such as the Raja Rammohan Roy Foundation give grants for maintaining century-old libraries. They support infrastructure and provide books, too. However, critics allege the state lacks a proper mechanism to apply for and use these funds, leaving another potential lifeline untapped.
Srinivas said, “Libraries are meant to be knowledge centres. By starving them of staff, books, and budget, the government is working against the creation of a knowledge society. If the ‘Prajapalana’ government is truly for the people, it must start by providing these most basic facilities.”
The demand is clear and urgent, the state government must immediately initiate a special recruitment drive to fill all 748 vacant librarian posts, allocate a dedicated, substantial budget for the procurement of books and modern amenities, such as internet access, for all libraries, and establish a transparent system to secure and manage grants from national foundations.
“Only when our public libraries are staffed, stocked, and connected can we begin to trust that the government’s concern for the public is genuine,” said Srinivas, adding that “Otherwise, ‘Prajapalana’ remains an empty slogan, and the library cess, a tax without service.”
