Maharashtra Invites Proposals For 2025-26 State Library Awards; Deadline Set For September 25

The Directorate of Libraries in Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Department has opened a call for proposals for the 2025-26 State Library Awards. This initiative seeks to foster the enhancement of government-recognized public libraries and to foster a reading culture throughout the state. The deadline for application submission is set for September 25, 2026.

Ashok Gadekar, the Acting Director of Libraries, has extended an invitation to eligible libraries, library movement activists, and employees to submit their applications by the mentioned deadline. The Directorate will bestow two prestigious awards: the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Best Library Award and the Dr S. R. Ranganathan Best Library Worker and Servant Award.

These accolades will recognize outstanding government-recognized public libraries, catering to those from both urban and rural regions, categorized under A, B, C, and D classifications.

The awards will be bestowed upon selected libraries, each receiving a cash prize ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, recipients will be honored with a memento, certificate, and a collection of books. The Directorate mandates that applicants prepare their proposals in the prescribed format and submit three copies to their respective District Library Officers by the specified date.

The objective of this program is to acknowledge the vital contributions of institutions and individuals in advancing public libraries and the broader library movement within Maharashtra. The Directorate earnestly encourages all eligible applicants to seize this opportunity and submit their proposals before the deadline. Further information on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and its surrounding areas can be found at https://budgetproperties.in.