With civic bodies delaying to transfer library cess to the Department of Public Libraries, series of developmental works, which includes repairing library buildings and establishing e-libraries in various parts of the State, have been badly affected.
6% of the property tax gathered by the civic bodies is set aside as library cess.
The civic bodies would transfer the same to the department soon after collection, but they have failed to do so since 2008-09.
While other civic bodies in the State have to remit Rs. 62 crore, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) alone owes Rs. 317 crore.
The non-remittance of cess has forced the department to delay some of the developmental works.
The procurement of books, refurbishment of buildings, buying of furniture and setting up of e-libraries have been affected.
6% of the property tax gathered by the civic bodies is set aside as library cess.
The civic bodies would transfer the same to the department soon after collection, but they have failed to do so since 2008-09.
While other civic bodies in the State have to remit Rs. 62 crore, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) alone owes Rs. 317 crore.
The non-remittance of cess has forced the department to delay some of the developmental works.
The procurement of books, refurbishment of buildings, buying of furniture and setting up of e-libraries have been affected.