Education, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh said that a world-class state library with global standards is being constructed in Amaravati at a cost of Rs 150 crore. He said that libraries will be developed as a model for the country with the suggestions of the members.
Responding to questions raised by MLAs Mandali Buddha Prasad, Palle Sindhura Reddy and Ganababu regarding the development of libraries and cess arrears in the state, Minister Lokesh said “we will take steps to complete the construction of the central library within 24 months. We are taking steps to preserve the Manu script along with the infrastructure related to libraries in the state”.
“Sobha Developers in the state has come forward to donate Rs 100 crore for the development of libraries in the state. We will also take steps to develop libraries with the cooperation of donors. We are taking steps to construct a model library in Visakhapatnam at a cost of Rs 20 crore”, he added.
Lokesh said they are also taking the issue of increasing the interest in reading among children seriously and are taking constructive steps to bring about changes in the next six months. He said the government is considering the issue of organizing community programs in libraries. For this, he said they have also taken steps with cartoonists.
“The construction of a model library in Mangalagiri constituency is in the final stages, and this library will be inaugurated in the month of October. We will undertake the construction of model libraries in 175 assembly constituencies across the state. Currently, there are only 13 district libraries, and 26 district libraries will be established on the basis of new districts”, Lokesh said.
The minister said that the file related to this is in the Finance Department. Regarding library cess arrears, he said that only 40 percent was collected in 2022-23, 45 percent in 2023-24, and 52 percent this year. He assured to take steps to collect the arrears in consultation with the Ministers of Panchayati Raj and Municipal Departments.
“We will make all types of books related to competitive exams available in libraries. As per the instructions of the Chief Minister, we have focused on digital libraries. We will launch a specially designed app in this regard within 100 days”, he added.