In many villages across Punjab, students still struggle with the lack of proper study spaces, reliable internet access and a quiet environment to learn. To address this gap, the Punjab government has begun setting up modern libraries in villages, turning small community buildings into important centres for learning.
The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aims to ensure that students preparing for competitive examinations, college admissions and government jobs have a dedicated place to study. Officials say the idea is based on a simple belief—that talent exists in every village, but opportunities often do not.
A push for libraries in every village
Under the chief minister’s directive, libraries are being established in villages and small towns across the state. Many of these areas earlier had no reading rooms or public study centres. Today, students in these villages have access to well-lit and organised library spaces.
While the government has not fixed an exact number, hundreds of libraries have already been set up under the programme, including in remote rural pockets that were earlier cut off from quality learning infrastructure.
Facilities for students
The libraries are designed with the needs of serious students in mind. They offer competitive exam preparation books, newspapers and magazines, along with comfortable seating, proper lighting and ventilation. In several locations, computers and internet facilities have also been provided.
For many students, this has meant a distraction-free place to study—something that was earlier missing in crowded or noisy homes.
Investment in education
Government officials said a considerable amount is spent on setting up each library, covering renovation or construction, furniture, books, electricity and internet connectivity. The investment reflects the government’s view that libraries are long-term assets for education and human development.
Voices from the ground
Students using these libraries say the change has been significant. “Earlier, studying at home was difficult because of noise and lack of space. Here, we can focus for hours,” said a young aspirant preparing for government exams at a village library.
Another student said the facilities made them feel no different from studying in a city. “We never imagined having such a library in our village,” the student added.
Changing village life
Officials and locals say the libraries are slowly changing the study culture in rural Punjab. They are encouraging reading habits, helping young people prepare for exams and reducing the need to move to cities for basic study facilities.
Speaking on the initiative, Chief Minister Mann said books play a crucial role in tackling issues like unemployment and drug abuse. “That is why we want libraries in every village,” he said.
The spread of village libraries, many believe, marks a quiet but meaningful shift in Punjab’s approach to education—one that focuses on access, dignity and opportunity for rural youth.