Punjab: 275 modern libraries including Abha Library became the pride of the government – keeping an eye on every movement of the media world.

Buildings and world class facilities competing with luxury hotels – Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Gyan Kranti Abhiyan

Punjab News: The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has established 275 state-of-the-art libraries in the rural areas of the state, while work on 58 more libraries is in progress. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Public Library (Abha Library) located in Abohar is a wonderful link in this chain, seeing the grandeur of which people are comparing it with a five-star hotel. This is not just a library but a living proof of Mann Sarkar’s foresight and commitment towards the youth. In the video going viral on social media, people are expressing surprise that this is not a luxury hotel but a government library, which has been built for common students. On August 15, 2024, the Chief Minister had launched the Rural Library Scheme from Isru village of Khanna. Since then, this scheme has taken the form of a silent revolution in the entire Punjab. 4 libraries in Amritsar district, 29 in Bathinda, 10 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 21 in Fazilka, 15 in Ludhiana and 18 in Patiala have already become operational. Each library is being constructed at a cost of around Rs 30 to 35 lakh, while district level libraries are spending more than Rs 1 crore. This investment shows how seriously the Mann government is taking education and youth development.

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Talking about Abha Library of Abohar, its architecture and design competes with any modern corporate office or luxury hotel. These libraries have Wi-Fi connectivity, solar power, digital analog and other high-end facilities. Each library has been provided with air-conditioned reading rooms, RO water supply, CCTV surveillance system, computer section and inverter facilities. These libraries have a rich collection of contemporary literature and course books. Thousands of books related to UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and other exams are available to prepare for competitive exams. Some libraries have more than 65,000 books and new books are being added regularly. While inaugurating eight libraries in Barnala, Chief Minister Mann had said that these libraries are instilling new hope among the students. Students from remote villages can now access knowledge from around the world while staying in their own village. The Chief Minister has expressed hope that these libraries will help in changing the fortunes of the youth and produce scientists, doctors and technicians. Inaugurating 12 libraries in Sangrur district, the Chief Minister interacted with school students and discussed the benefits of using library resources. He urged the villagers to actively look after the libraries so that an environment conducive to learning is maintained.

The specialty of these libraries is that they are kept open from 8 am to 9 pm, seven days a week. 24×7 study room facility has also been provided in many district level libraries. A library has been constructed at Dhuri at a cost of Rs 1.59 crore, which is a two-storey building and has a covered area of ​​3,710 square feet. Some libraries even have canteen facilities where shade, coffee and snacks are available. Parking arrangements, green areas and modern landscaping make these libraries a complete educational complex. Separate safe and comfortable study arrangements have been made for women. These libraries are proving to be a boon for the youth preparing for government jobs. Earlier, students had to go to big cities like Chandigarh, Mohali or Delhi and take expensive library membership, which cost thousands of rupees. Jagdeep Singh, a student of Ladda village, says that he comes to the library every day and the environment here is very clean and suitable for studies. Another student preparing for UPSC says that the collection of books here is very good. Students from Abohar, Fazilka, Bathinda and other border districts are especially benefiting as these areas never had such facilities before.

The Mann government has not only built new libraries but also renovated old libraries. The Sangrur District Library has been renovated at a cost of approximately Rs 1.12 crore, which now has seating for 250 students. In cities like Dhuri and Abohar, old libraries dating back to the colonial period have also been modernized. The Chief Minister has said that libraries across the state will be upgraded on this model. Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said this transformative step reflects the government’s commitment to uplift rural communities through knowledge, education and empowerment. The social and economic impact of these libraries is also important. With the increasing awareness towards education, a new energy is being infused among the youth. For the first time, girls in rural areas are also coming to libraries in large numbers to study. Naming of Abohar’s library after Dr. Ambedkar also gives the message of social justice and equality. Students from Dalit, backward and economically weaker sections are now getting everything which was earlier within the reach of only the rich. This scheme is truly an excellent example of inclusive development. Rural youth are now realizing that the government is serious about their future.

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Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said on several occasions that previous governments were steeped in corruption and ministers looted public money. He said that now the state has enough funds for development works and they are ensuring that public money is spent only for the welfare of the public. The library scheme is a direct proof of this. After the victory of Aam Aadmi Party in Jalandhar by-election, the Chief Minister had said that the public has appreciated his work and investment in areas like education is the real development of the state. He also called a young IPS officer Robin on the stage and inspired the students that education is the solution to all social evils. This library revolution of Punjab can become a model for other states of the country also. When governments invest public money in the right places, positive results emerge. Abha Library of Abohar and more than 275 libraries spread across the state prove that the Punjab Government not only makes promises but also fulfills them. In the coming years, these libraries will produce hundreds of successful officers, doctors, engineers and teachers who will contribute not only to their own development but also to the development of Punjab and the country as a whole. This investment of Mann Government is indeed an investment in the bright future of Punjab.