10 January 2015 : The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library Rules, 1970 were issued by the Government of India through the Ministry of Education and Youth Service. These rules were published in the Gazette of India on 17 July 1970 and came into effect from 21 July 1970. They were framed under the powers given by the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library Act, 1969.
These rules explain how the Library Board should function, how members are appointed, their responsibilities, and how official work such as meetings, contracts, and financial reporting must be handled.
The rules clearly state that a nominated member of the Board holds office for five years from the date the nomination is published in the Official Gazette. This fixed term ensures stability in management while allowing periodic changes in membership.
Not everyone is eligible to become a member. A person cannot be nominated if declared of unsound mind by a competent court or if declared an undischarged insolvent. These conditions protect the integrity and credibility of the Board.
Membership can also end before the five-year term. A nominated member will cease to hold office if they become of unsound mind, become insolvent, remain absent from four consecutive Board meetings without permission, or leave the country without intending to return. This ensures that members remain active and responsible.
The rules also provide clear provisions regarding travelling and daily allowances. Members traveling for official library work are entitled to allowances as specified. Government officers serving as members receive allowances according to the rules applicable to them in their official duties. Non-official members are entitled to allowances for travel by air, rail, or road at prescribed rates. They are also eligible for daily allowances for attending meetings, including the day before and after the meeting . These provisions ensure that members are fairly compensated for their time and travel.
When it comes to contracts, the rules make the process formal and transparent. Every contract entered into by or on behalf of the Board must be approved through a Board resolution. Contracts must be in writing and executed by the Chairman or an authorized member, and must bear the common seal of the Board. The custody of the common seal is also carefully regulated and kept with an authorized person.
Financial accountability is another important feature of these rules. The Board must submit its budget, quarterly statements of income and expenditure, annual report, certified accounts, and other publications to the Central Government within specified timelines. Copies of agenda and minutes of meetings must also be submitted. These reporting requirements ensure transparency, proper financial management, and regular oversight by the Central Government.
In simple terms, the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library Rules, 1970 provide a structured system for running the Library Board. They define who can be a member, how long they serve, what benefits they receive, how official decisions are made, and how financial and administrative accountability is maintained. These rules help ensure that the library functions in an organized, responsible, and transparent manner under the framework of the 1969 Act.
Author – Kundan Jha
Reference – Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library Rules, 1970 (Published in Part II, Section (3) (I) of the Gazette of India Government of India Ministry of Education and Youth Service)
