Punjab's rural libraries: Inspiring knowledge in villages

Under the visionary leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a total of 196 modern libraries have been successfully established and are operational in rural areas of the state as part of the “Rural Library Scheme”, aimed at promoting a reading culture among youth and involving them in the socio-economic progress of Punjab.

Additionally, 135 more libraries equipped with modern facilities are currently under construction.

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond shared that the Chief Minister had launched this ambitious scheme on August 15, 2024, from village Issru (Khanna).

On that day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the first library built under this scheme and interacted with school children, emphasizing his vision of transforming rural libraries into pillars of growth and prosperity in the state.

Highlighting the initiative’s purpose, the Minister said that these libraries aim to foster a love for reading among the youth and create an environment for intellectual and personal development.

He expressed confidence that these libraries will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Punjab's youth, helping them become successful officers, scientists, doctors, and technical experts.

Providing district-wise progress, the Minister informed that Amritsar district has 4 operational libraries, while Bathinda has 29. Barnala has 6 operational libraries and 5 under construction.

In Fatehgarh Sahib, 10 libraries are functional and 2 are under progress. Faridkot has 5 operational and 7 under construction, while Fazilka boasts 21 operational libraries and 9 under development. In Ferozepur, work is underway on 22 libraries.

Hoshiarpur has 2 operational libraries and 13 under construction. Ludhiana features 15 operational and 26 under development. Mansa has 8 libraries functioning and 10 under construction. Malerkotla has 6 operational libraries and 5 more being built.

In Sri Muktsar Sahib, work is progressing on 6 libraries. Moga has 13 libraries currently operational and 1 under progress, while Patiala has 18 functional libraries and 11 under construction. Rupnagar has 12 operational libraries and 1 under progress.

In Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, 6 libraries are running successfully, while in Shahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, 12 libraries are under development.

Sangrur leads with the highest number of libraries, with 28 currently operational and 5 more under construction. In Tarn Taran, 11 libraries are running, and Jalandhar has 2 functional libraries.

These libraries have been equipped with high-end facilities like Wi-Fi, solar power, digital analogs and others. These libraries have world-class books on contemporary literature and curriculum books, providing a rich learning experience.

This transformative step by the Punjab Government reflects its commitment to uplifting rural communities through knowledge, education, and empowerment.