Chennai, Oct 14:
The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned Rs 8.45 crore to organise book fairs in all 38 districts during the 2026-27 financial year, with the aim of promoting reading habits and expanding access to books across the State.
According to a government order issued by the School Education Department on October 9, 2026, the expenditure will be met from the revised estimates for the 2026-27 financial year. The order provides for district-level book fairs to be conducted annually from 2026-27 onwards.
The initiative was introduced in 2022-23, when districts were divided into three categories based on their funding requirements. Under the original allocation, Category A districts received Rs 17.5 lakh each, Category B districts Rs 14 lakh each and Category C districts Rs 12 lakh each. The government sanctioned a total of Rs 4.965 crore for organising book fairs during that year.
The programme continued in 2023-24 and 2024-25, with further government funding for district-level literary events.
The latest allocation is expected to bring book fairs closer to local communities, particularly students and readers in rural areas, reducing the need to travel to major cities to access a wider range of books and participate in literary events.
The fairs will provide opportunities for publishers, authors, students and book lovers to interact and explore publications across different subjects and genres.
With dedicated funding for all 38 districts, the government aims to encourage reading among young people and strengthen literary activities across urban and rural Tamil Nadu.