Lucknow: In a landmark initiative aimed at empowering rural youth, the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched digital libraries in 11,350 Gram Panchayats across the state. The project is designed to provide village students with free access to modern educational resources, enabling them to prepare for UPSC and other competitive exams without traveling to urban coaching centers.
Comprehensive Facilities and Resources
Each digital library will receive an investment of ₹4 lakh, allocated as follows:
- ₹2 lakh for a collection of competitive and academic books
- ₹1.30 lakh for computers, high-speed internet, and IT equipment
- ₹70,000 for modern furniture and seating
Students will have access to e-books, online video lectures, audio content, quizzes, and over 20,000 digital educational resources, turning these centers into modern digital education hubs.
Phased Implementation and Monitoring
The project is being implemented in phases, with the first phase completed in 35 districts, including Lucknow, Prayagraj, Ghazipur, Muzaffarnagar, Amroha, Azamgarh, Ballia, Bareilly, Bijnor, Fatehpur, and Kanpur Dehat.
Daily operations will be managed by Gram Pradhans and Panchayat Secretaries, while a committee of administrative officers will monitor utilization to ensure effective functioning of the libraries.
Bridging the Rural-Urban Education Gap
Amit Kumar Singh, Director of Panchayati Raj, emphasized that these libraries will equip rural youth with digital skills and resources to compete on par with urban students. The initiative also aims to curb educational migration and contribute to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, aligning with the national vision of inclusive and equitable development.
This step is expected to strengthen India’s talent pool, enhance employment readiness, and provide rural youth with opportunities to participate in nation-building while staying in their villages.
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