Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Gramin Gyan Setu app through video conferencing yesterday. The app has been developed to integrate libraries in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency of Gujarat.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shah said the app was launched on the birth anniversary of Padma Shri S R Ranganathan, observed as National Library Day. He said the objective is to establish a library in every village, preferably near schools, to encourage children to read and learn.
Mr Shah said around 63 village libraries have already been established, while 7 hundred 52 libraries are now connected through the app. He said four libraries, together having around two lakh 80 thousand books, have been linked with the rural libraries. He said vans, arranged through his MP Local Area Development funds, will visit villages every fortnight to collect issued books and deliver books requested through the app.
The Home Minister said the initiative will provide children in villages access to a much larger collection of books. He emphasised the importance of reading and guidance from competent librarians in shaping young minds and developing responsible citizens. He also urged families, including housewives, to make productive use of their spare time by acquiring knowledge and encouraging children to study.
