Chandigarh: Punjab has achieved a new milestone under the visionary Rural Library Scheme launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to promote a culture of reading among youth and actively engage them in the State’s socio-economic growth. With this initiative, the number of modern, fully functional libraries in the rural areas of Punjab has reached 275, while work is in progress on 58 more libraries equipped with advanced facilities.
Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond informed that the scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on August 15, 2024, at village Isru (Khanna), where he inaugurated the State’s first rural library and interacted with school children. The Minister highlighted that the Chief Minister’s vision is to see these rural libraries become “centres of knowledge, development, and prosperity” for Punjab. The State Government aims to foster the reading habit among rural youth and inspire them to become future officers, scientists, doctors, and technical experts.
Providing district-wise details Sond stated that Amritsar has 4 functional libraries Bathinda 29, Barnala 9 with 2 under construction, Fatehgarh Sahib 11 with 2 in progress, Faridkot 10 with 2 in progress, Fazilka 21, Ferozepur 15 with 9 in progress, and Hoshiarpur 6 with 9 more coming up.
Ludhiana has 30 functional and 11 in progress, Mansa 17 functional and 1 in progress, Malerkotla 11 functional, Sri Muktsar Sahib 6 in progress, Moga 14, Patiala 28 with 2 in progress, Rupnagar 12, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar 6, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar has 12 in progress.
The Minister further shared that Sangrur leads with the highest number of 31 functional libraries, with 2 more under construction. Tarn Taran has 11 and Jalandhar has 2 operational libraries. Highlighting the facilities, Sond said these libraries are well-equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, solar power, digital and analogue resources, and high-quality infrastructure. They house literary works, subject-specific reference books, and globally recognized academic publications, providing students and readers with a conducive learning environment.
He added that the Rural Library Scheme is a transformative step towards empowering the rural youth and ensuring they have equal access to knowledge and resources at par with global standards.
