Hans News Service Vijayawada

MS Baig, chairman of the Zilla Grandhalaya Sanstha for the erstwhile Krishna district, has welcomed the Andhra Pradesh government’s initiatives to strengthen and modernise libraries across the State, particularly the proposed direct transfer of library cess funds to Grandhalaya Sanstha and the plan to establish libraries in all 175 Assembly constituencies.

Baig appreciated Education Minister Nara Lokesh for the key announcements made in the Assembly regarding the development of the library sector. He described the decision to directly credit funds collected through the library cess into the accounts of Sanstha as a historic and welcome move.

He said the timely availability of financial resources would enable district and rural libraries to improve their services and infrastructure. The proposal to establish libraries in all 175 constituencies and upgrade facilities in places where libraries already exist would give a new direction to the library movement in Andhra Pradesh, he added.

According to Baig, modern and accessible libraries in every constituency would greatly benefit students, unemployed youth, competitive examination aspirants, readers and researchers. Libraries, particularly in rural areas, play a crucial role in providing access to quality books, newspapers, magazines, digital resources and a peaceful environment for study.

The direct availability of library cess funds would allow all the Zilla Grandhalaya Sansthas to address local requirements and improve infrastructure, including library buildings, furniture, books, computers, digital facilities, drinking water, toilets and reading halls, he said.