Tamil Nadu cancels Rs 30 crore book tender over corruption allegations

The Tamil Nadu government has cancelled book procurement tenders worth Rs 30 crore intended for the Kamarajar Grand Library and Intellectual Centre in Tiruchirappalli. The decision follows allegations of irregularities in book purchases for public libraries across the state.

Reports suggest that fake and substandard books, including some allegedly generated using Artificial Intelligence, were supplied to the Periyar Grand Library in Coimbatore. In response, the state has reportedly paused book procurement for several other new facilities, including the Bharathidasan Knowledge Centre in Salem, the Anjalai Ammal Knowledge Centre in Cuddalore, and the Quaid-e-Millath Library in Tirunelveli.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has been ordered to investigate the alleged corruption. Government sources indicate that a new, transparent procurement policy will be implemented to prevent future irregularities.