06 February 2016 : The Rampur Raza Library Act, 1975 is a special law passed by Parliament to recognize the Rampur Raza Library as an institution of national importance and to provide a clear system for its management and development.
This Act does two main things. First, it officially declares the library at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh as nationally important. Second, it creates a legal structure to run and protect it properly.
The law came into force in 1975 after notification by the Central Government.
Why This Law Was Needed
The library was originally managed under a trust created by Nawab Sir Syed Raza Ali Khan Bahadur in 1951. Over time, the importance of its rare manuscripts and collections grew. To ensure better preservation, accountability, and long-term development, Parliament enacted this law.
By declaring it an institution of national importance, the Government made it clear that the library is not just a regional collection. It is a heritage asset for the entire country.
Creation of the Rampur Raza Library Board
The Act establishes a body called the Rampur Raza Library Board. This Board is a corporate body with the power to acquire property, manage funds, enter into contracts, and even sue or be sued.
The Board includes senior officials and experts. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh serves as Chairman. There are nominated members from the Central Government and the State Government. Some members must be scholars with expertise in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, or knowledge related to the collections of the library. The Director of the Library acts as Member-Secretary.
This structure ensures that both administrative authority and academic expertise guide the functioning of the library.
Duties and Functions of the Board
The Board has the responsibility to manage and develop the library in a modern and scientific manner .
Its duties include preserving rare manuscripts, improving collections, supporting research, and providing facilities to scholars. The Board can also acquire valuable books and manuscripts that deserve preservation. The library must continue to remain located at Rampur.
Property and Financial Management
Once the Board was established, all properties, funds, and liabilities of the earlier trust were transferred to it. This ensured smooth transition and legal clarity.
The Board receives financial support from the Central Government in the form of grants or loans . It maintains a separate Fund where all money received from government grants, fees, donations, or other sources is deposited.
The Board must prepare an annual budget and submit it for approval to the Central Government . It must also maintain proper accounts, which are audited every year by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. The audited accounts are laid before Parliament.
This system ensures transparency and financial discipline.
Rules, Regulations and Government Oversight
The Central Government has the power to issue policy directions to the Board. It can also make rules to implement the Act.
At the same time, the Board can frame regulations, with prior approval of the Central Government, regarding library management, staff recruitment, preservation of manuscripts, user fees, and other operational matters.
All regulations must be placed before Parliament. This creates democratic oversight.
Legal Protection and Authority
Officers and employees of the Board are treated as public servants under the law. Actions taken in good faith under the Act are legally protected.
The Act also overrides any other inconsistent law or instrument. This ensures that the provisions of this Act prevail in matters relating to the library.
Why This Act Matters Today
The Rampur Raza Library Act, 1975 ensures that one of India’s important cultural and scholarly institutions is preserved, professionally managed, and financially supported. It combines heritage protection with administrative accountability.
In simple terms, this law safeguards rare knowledge, manuscripts, and historical treasures by placing them under a structured system backed by the Government of India.
Author – Kundan Jha
Reference – THE RAMPUR RAZA LIBRARY ACT, 1975 ACT NO. 22 OF 1975
