Kanker district in Chhattisgarh, which is a part of the North Bastar range, is now heading towards a new dawn in the education field. The district administration and the police department have come together to spread education and help the youth of the remotest parts of the district prepare for national-level competitive exams by opening libraries in the cluster areas.
Being a highly Naxal-affected area and far away from the district headquarter, it was a tough task for the administration and even the police to connect with the local populace. However, developmental work has turned out to be a major tool to create a good rapport with the people and gain their trust.
FULFILLING A NEED
While speaking to Indian Masterminds, SP of Kanker district, Shalabh Kumar Sinha, IPS said, “The government of Chhattisgarh recently launched a recruitment drive to establish a special force named ‘Bastar Fighters’. The concept was to give opportunities to the local youth who have been left out. Through this, the police force will get support in Naxal operations, and it also helps in confidence building among the people.”
A recruitment drive in this regard was conducted in the district. But before that, an orientation session was held for the youth, including girls, boys and even the third gender people. During this programme, training was provided to prepare them for the recruitment process.
Mr. Sinha said, “While interacting with the youth, we found out that the main issue was those coming from the remote parts have no idea as to what to do after completing studies. They were unaware of the various professions they can pursue after completing their basic education.”
Hence, the idea of starting community libraries came up and setting them up first in the remote areas was the priority.
OPENING WELL EQUIPPED LIBRARIES
Mr. Sinha said that the idea was to identify cluster areas in the district and develop community libraries so that all information related to competitive exams can be given directly to the youth. Through this, it can become a library cum study centre for the youth.
“We started with two libraries, first one was in Tadoki area and the second one was recently inaugurated in the most Naxal-affected area of Kanker, Koilibeda,” he told Indian Masterminds.
Books relating to all competitive exams, from UPSC to central force recruitment, have been made available in the libraries. The officer has also requested the BSF and even the public to donate books that can be useful to the youth.
Mr. Sinha further said, “In the next phase, we plan to add WiFi and computer facilities so that all types of online work can be completed in the library.”
Both these libraries are newly constructed with funds from the Gram Raksha Samiti.
POSITIVE RESPONSE
By starting these community libraries in the remotest parts of the district, Kanker Police has opened many doors for the youth. The response is also very good as students have started coming to the library and showing great interest in the books. “The first library is completely set and many students are also demanding for MBBS preparation books. Also, local doctors and other people are supporting them for cracking the entrance exam,” said Mr. Sinha.
There are around 450 Gram Panchayats in Kanker and the officer is planning to open such libraries in all the cluster areas of the district. Another three are almost ready and will be up in about 15 days.
