Review meetings held to determine condition of libraries in state

For the first time in the past 27 years, review meetings to assess the condition of libraries in Bengal has taken place in 15 districts.

Siddiquallah Chowdhury, the state Mass Education Extension and Library Services minister, said in a reply to a question in the state Assembly that review meetings in 15 districts to assess the condition of the libraries has taken place.

"This is for the first time in the past 27 years when so many review meetings in this regard have taken place," he said adding that the libraries were turned to party offices during the Left Front regime.

"It is taking time to bring back the libraries to its original state and it would take some more time," the minister added while replying to a question.

He further said that at present there are 13 state government libraries, the number of state government sponsored libraries is 2,480 and seven are state government aided ones.

As of the report till May 1, 209 libraries are closed.

Out of this, 119 were closed since the Left Front regime and 88 are closed due to lack of employees.