Panaji: The cabinet on Wednesday approved a Goa state library policy for the state for the first time. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that the policy will be for a duration of 10 years and will cover all state-run libraries as well as those operated by schools and private institutions.“Under the directorate of art and culture, there are various libraries operating in panchayat areas, at the taluka and the district level. Our aim is to increase the reading habit among people.” He said that all competitive exam study material books will also be made available at these libraries.“Skills of librarians will be upgraded from time to time through training. They will be trained to promote the concept of e-library. The librarians had various issues which will be resolved. In many areas, private institutions are running libraries. These will also be covered by the policy. We have already started the process of converting 90 libraries into e-libraries. Around 10 to 12 have already been converted,” said Sawant.“Schools, colleges, universities, technical institutions are also present under various educational institutions. We will extend benefits of training for upgradation of skills of librarians to them too, as this policy is a special programme,” said Sawant. He said that the Goa Library Act was framed in 1993 and needed update which has been brought about through this policy.“Many, especially Nandkumar Kamat, were instrumental in pushing for this policy. Library on wheels will also be promoted. We have almost one library in every panchayat. If anyone does not have one yet, they can approach the directorate of art and culture,” said the CM.
