PORVORIM
Plans by the Penha de Franca panchayat to construct a new library in the village appeared to have been shelved, as a year has passed since the project had been proposed.
According to sources, the existing library building was constructed in 2005 through MPLAD funds.
“This library has enrolled over 1,000 members and it contains around 6,000 books. The library also used to get grants from the State government,” said the source.
“The building housing the panchayat library of Penha de Franca panchayat had become dilapidated and the panchayat had decided to reconstruct a new building in its place.”
“The panchayat shifted the existing library to Nana Nani Park in June 2019 and had prohibited children from playing in the garden opposite the library. It is more than a year now and the Panchayat is yet to construct a new library building,” the source added.
When contacted, a panch member of the Penha de Franca panchayat said the panchayat had decided to demolish the existing library building and to construct a new one-story building at Rs 3.2 crore under the Din Dayal Upadhyaya scheme of the State government.
“The proposal was sent to Directorate of Panchayats (DoP) for approval,” said the panch.
According to plans, the new structure would house the library on the ground floor and a mini-hall on the first floor for small functions.”
“Since the panchayat did not pursue the matter vigorously, the file is still pending with the DoP,” said the panchayat member.
A present, bushes have grown around the existing library building and locals in the area have requested the panchayat to pursue the matter with the DoP and construct a new library building, while also making available the garden for children to play.
