State to make reference books of Madhyamik, HS available in libraries near schools

Kolkata: The state government has decided to make text and reference books available in libraries that are situated within one km of Madhyamik or Higher Secondary schools.

The step has been taken for Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinees so that they can take help of more reference books to ensure better results in the board examinations.

Siddiqullah Chowdhury, the state Library minister said: "We have decided to keep both text and reference books in libraries where there are Madhyamik and Higher Secondary schools within one km. Students of Classes IX, X, XI and XII can take help of those books that will be made available in the libraries."

This is one of the several steps that the state government is taking for further development of the libraries. At present there are 2,480 libraries in the state including 13 state-run, seven state government-sponsored, 232 town libraries, 2,209 rural and 19 district libraries. Out of these, 121 are closed since the Left Front regime and 88 more were closed later due to lack of manpower. A total sanctioned posts for librarians, assistant librarians and group D employees were 5,520 and 3,019 posts are lying vacant.

Moreover, there are around 600 rural libraries that are facing some problems for insufficient manpower.

Chowdhury said: "I had discussion with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state Education minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with filling up of the vacant posts. It has been decided to initially recruit 1,000 people on contractual basis. The decision to make contractual recruitments has been taken as it would not take much time to complete the recruitment process. An applicant for the post of librarian has to be a graduate with sound knowledge in computer and Internet and must have studied library science. The applicant must also have two years of experience."

The state government has also decided to recruit another 183 people on contract basis in an immediate basis and it includes 180 librarians in rural libraries and two in town libraries.

At the same time, 300 employees, who retired sometime between December 2015 and October 2016, will also be engaged for better functioning of the libraries. Out of 300 posts, 37 and 24 are in North and South 24 Parganas which are highest among all districts.

It has also been decided to upgrade 80 libraries to model libraries. There will be computers in all the model libraries and at the same time, there will be separate sections for women and children. There will be two to three model libraries in each district.

Despite shortage of manpower, all libraries have been directed to observe 52 days like World Health Day, Public Library Day and Birthday of footballer Gosta Pal. Each library get Rs 1,000 for each day and Rs 12 crore is sanctioned for the same.