Deputy Commissioner

Bathinda

Sub: Proposal for Setting up a State-of-the-Art Public Library in the District.

The District of Bathinda, is fast emerging as a regional hub of education and research with the
establishment of various institution of excellence including the Central University, AIIMS among
various others. The Government of Punjab through its various initiatives is committed towards
promoting better quality of education and equipping the youth with requisite skills to keep pace
with the changing nature of economy, and is channelizing resources and funds towards the same.
The students of the District and region at large, though not lacking talent and energy, often find
themselves behind the major cities in terms of information, guidance and resources in order to take
advantage of the ever changing job market. Similar situation prevails in areas of higher learning and
research. To bridge this gap, it is proposed to set up a State-of-the-Art Public Library, an institution
of excellence, to be established and maintained through Public funds and accessible to all members
of the Public.

It is proposed to be established with a view to give strong impetus to the culture of academics,
learning and research in the region, by facilitating access to the advanced resources of learning with
a specialised focus on Electronic resources (Online Journals, E-Databases etc), and to provide a
community space for exchange of ideas and learning. It is also proposed that this institution be
developed as a centre of learning going beyond academics, including a music academy inside the
complex for promotion of learning in the fields of music and culture.

Proposed Site

A site suitable for the proposed Library has been shortlisted, measuring approx. 1.26 acres, within
the Civil Lines and adjacent to the City Centre Mall. The site is in the heart of the city and easily
accessible. The site plan provided by the Public Works Department is attached herewith.

The ownership of the land currently stands in the name of Government of Punjab. (Jamabandi
Record is attached). At present, there is an old and decrepit building standing on a minor portion of
the plot site, (Ref. Site Plan) while the rest of the land is lying unutilised. The building is currently
occupied by the Stationary Wing of the Punjab State Education Board (PSEB), and is being used as a
warehouse for the textbooks distributed to the Government School. For the purpose of the Public
Library, it is proposed that a new building be constructed in accordance with the designs of modern
libraries.

Objective:

● To establish a state-of-the-art Public Library, in the heart of Bathinda City, to promote

pursuit of academics and research by the students and general public.
● To provide a one stop resource centre for competitive examinations for the students of the
District as well as provide classes by integrating resources from other of the State.
 ● To facilitate the latest resources of E-learning including online Databases for magazines,
Journals etc. as required by the use of students.
● To enable greater parity in access to education and learning resources for the marginalised
sections of the community, who may not have access to these otherwise.
● To provide community space for the students and public at large to interact and cooperate
for academic, literary and research purposes.
● To attract students and public towards the idea of self-development through reading and
exchange of ideas

For the construction of the proposed public library, it is recommended that a sum of Rs. 5 crore be
requested from the State Government.

Paramvir Singh, IAS

Addl. Deputy Commissioner (Development).