Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, May 6: The J&K administration has targeted to establish 50 Panchayat Learning Centers (PLCs) in Jammu and Kashmir by the end of the current year.
Last year, the government announced the setting up of Public Libraries and extending Library facilities to the Gram Panchayat level across the country.
To implement the project, the Government of India earmarked a whopping Rs 5000 crores for the year 2023-24 for upgrading infrastructure.
As per the officials, so far the work is going on 12 PLCs in Jammu and Kashmir and the government has targeted to establish 40 new PLCs this year.
“Secretary Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary last month reviewed the progress in the implementation of the project. While the work is going on at 12 Panchayat Learning centres in Jammu and Kashmir so far, it was decided in the meeting to establish 40 more PLCs by the end of the year,” an official said.
Officials said the government will simultaneously ensure the infrastructure in these PLCs to ensure their functioning as soon as possible.
“The government is considering starting the PLC operation soon after the completion of the project. These are going to be the state-of -the-art libraries where books related to different subjects will be available. This move aims to enhance access to books and create spaces for community learning and engagement,” they said.
Officials said facilities including digital learning infrastructure, study rooms and book banks will be established in these PLC’s to make them stop learning centres in rural Kashmir.
“The department endeavours to establish digital learning infrastructure, study rooms, book banks and resources targeting all the sections of rural population including students, aspirants of competitive examinations, women and elderly people in the villages,” they said.
Pertinently, during the recent meeting Secretary RDD outlined a comprehensive strategy to ensure that all selected PLCs are equipped with necessary facilities, leveraging funds allocated for E-Enablement and collaborating with the Information Technology (IT) department for CSCs (Common Service Centers) where necessary.
He encouraged innovation at the district level, empowering Additional Commissioner Panchayat (ACP) and Block Development Officer (BDO) officials to explore innovative solutions tailored to local needs.
The project is likely going to benefit the student community who face immense difficulties in absence of adequate libraries.
Currently, the majority of the schools in Jammu and Kashmir are without libraries. Of the 18,723 schools across Jammu and Kashmir, around 9925 schools are without library facilities.
