Plan for free distribution of Odia classic books in Bali Yatra goes for a toss

Cuttack district administration planned a free book distribution stall at this year’s Bali Yatra, in an effort to promote Odia classic books in the digital age. Timeless works by renowned writers such as Fakir Mohan Senapati and Manoj Das were to be distributed without charge to readers.

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However, several publishers and publishing houses withdrew from the tender process, citing issues related to GST certificates and simultaneous delivery schedules.

Allegations of corruption have surfaced, and the administration’s procedures have come under sharp criticism.

Originally, 25 classic Odia books—including titles like ‘Chha Mana Atha Guntha’, ‘Badhu Nirupama’, ‘Matira Manisha’, and ‘Paraja’—were to be purchased, totalling 75,000 copies. The tender was floated on October 22, yet inconsistencies in GST compliance and delivery timing led many publishers to drop out.

Even after a second tender on November 3 for 9,000 copies of at least 11 book titles, GST exemptions remained optional, sparking further controversy.

An expert committee intended to oversee book selection was also overlooked, raising questions about administrative oversight.

Meanwhile, the public found that the books had not arrived by the afternoon, leaving attendees to take selfies in place of collecting the promised titles.

The fiasco has led to broader concerns about transparency, corruption, and the practical feasibility of distributing thousands of books in such a short timeframe.

Officials at the Bali Jatra were unable to provide satisfactory answers regarding the distribution process, GST-related complications, and accountability for the publishers’ losses.

When contacted, the authorised official of ‘Cuttack-in-Cuttack’, Pranab Behera, said, “The Expression of Interest (EoI) is a public document. It is there on the website. You can see all the details of it, and there is no such issue. Accusations can be raised on everything, but it was a transparent process. Hence, we have nothing more to say on this.”