PANAJI
The Minister for Art & Culture Govind Gaude announced that the State will soon notify a new Library Policy. "There will be a library policy soon. It is currently in the final stage, and we will implement it once the Cabinet gives its approval. It will be a unique initiative in India's library movement," he stated while responding to demands related to the Art & Culture department.
He also said that while 47,000 books have been digitised, the remaining 2 lakh books and pages will be digitised by March 2025.
"Seventy-eight libraries will be established across the State to promote a reading culture, reaching every corner of Goa. Mobile libraries will also be introduced to serve the interior parts of Goa, benefiting those preparing for competitive exams and students," he added.
Responding to incidents of non-functioning air conditioners in the central library, the minister acknowledged the issue citing that four tenders did not attract any vendors or contractors.
He also assured that Ravindra Bhavans across the state would be revamped.
Earlier during the discussion, GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai demanded that cultural festivals should come under Art & Culture Department and not Tourism, which can contribute by only promoting these events.
