Perumal Murugan alleges irregularities in Periyar Arivulagam book procurement; Tamil Nadu Govt. orders inquiry

In an article published on the digital literary platform Sindhai, Murugan raised concerns over the purchase of around 1,800 books attributed to a relatively unknown publishing house, Agalvilakku Pathippagam. He alleged that several books contained inaccurate information, questionable ISBN numbers, fictitious author names and content that appeared to have been generated using artificial intelligence.

He also questioned the prices at which some books were procured. Citing an example, Murugan pointed out that a 300-page book titled Naladiyar Vaazhvin Vazhikaati, attributed to an author named Surya Balu, was purchased for ₹1,445, despite comparable editions of the classical Tamil work being available at considerably lower prices.

Responding to the allegations, Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity, Rajmohan, said an immediate investigation had been initiated. He stated that officials had been instructed to examine the procurement process and that appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible.

The minister also said that the government would ensure greater scrutiny of books purchased for libraries being established in the future.

The allegations have raised questions about the selection, verification and pricing of books acquired for a major public library project. The inquiry is expected to establish how the procurement was carried out, whether the alleged irregularities occurred and who was responsible.

The allegations are yet to be established through the investigation.