Punjab Government, in a pioneering step towards nurturing intellectual empowerment in the state’s heartland, has successfully operationalized 196 ultra-modern rural libraries across the state, with 135 more under construction, under its flagship “Rural Library Scheme”.
Launched to instill reading habits among the youth and foster socio-economic progress through knowledge, the initiative is being hailed as a transformative leap for rural Punjab.
Announcing the progress, Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Sunday said that the scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on August 15, 2024, from the symbolic village Issru (Khanna). On that day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the state’s first rural library under the scheme, interacting with children and outlining his vision of libraries becoming the new centers of rural empowerment.
“These libraries are more than buildings filled with books — they are future-building hubs for Punjab’s villages,” Sond said, adding, “We want our youth to become not just job seekers but thought leaders, scientists, doctors, and public servants who drive Punjab forward.”
Each library has been thoughtfully equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, solar power backup, modern reading spaces, and digital access systems. The libraries house an eclectic collection of world-class literature, academic resources, and competitive exam material, catering to a wide range of readers.
Providing a district-wise snapshot of the rollout, Sond revealed that Sangrur leads with 28 libraries operational and five more under construction. Bathinda follows with 29 running libraries, and Fazilka has 21 operational with nine more being built. Other key districts include Ludhiana (15 operational, 26 in progress), Patiala (18 operational, 11 under construction), and Moga (13 functional).
Smaller districts are also making strides: Barnala has six libraries functioning; Hoshiarpur has two running and 13 under construction; and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar boasts six operational libraries. In Mohali (SAS Nagar), 12 libraries are under development.
The initiative marks a strategic push by the state government to bridge the knowledge divide between urban and rural Punjab, with the aim of fostering critical thinking, innovation, and academic excellence.
