Tamil NaduMonday, 9 November 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Madurai Kalaignar Centenary Library fake-book row raises procurement and ISBN scrutiny
Jean Drèze said a book attributed to him is fake, while the report cited June 25, 2023 procurement and the July 15, 2023 library inauguration.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In November 2026, economist Jean Drèze said that the English book titled “Democracy and Peoples Right in the Contemporary World” attributed to him and reportedly found in Tamil Nadu public libraries was fake, while the Madurai Kalaignar Centenary Library had been inaugurated on July 15, 2023.
Key specifics
- Jean Drèze issued the clarification on November 8, 2026, through an e-mail to The Hindu.
- The disputed title named in the report was “Democracy and Peoples Right in the Contemporary World”.
- The report said the book was procured on June 25, 2023, before the library inauguration.
- Madurai’s Kalaignar Centenary Library was inaugurated on July 15, 2023, by then Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
- The report alleged the book came from Phoenix Publishers and carried a valid ISBN.
Exam lens
Question type: Tamil Nadu governance and library administration. Key facts: Jean Drèze, fake book allegation, June 25 2023 procurement, July 15 2023 inauguration, Phoenix Publishers, ISBN. TNPSC may ask about public procurement checks and the role of state libraries.