In order to encourage children to develop the reading habit, Samagra Shiksha has decided to constitute a library in 9,293 government schools (primary, middle, high and higher secondary) in the State this year. It has instructed all Chief Educational Officers (CEO) to take appropriate steps in their districts immediately — they were to complete the work by February 11.
For this exercise, Samagra Shiksha has allotted Rs 10,000 for each of the 3,257 primary schools, Rs 7,000 for each of the 3,257 middle schools, Rs 4,000 to every high school and Rs 5,000 to every higher secondary school. As much as Rs 3.52 crore has been set aside for the primary section and Rs 2.70 crore for the high and higher secondary section.
Apart from this, Samagra Shiksha will give 346 types of books for primary school students; this will include children's stories in English and Tamil, books on ethics, life, etc. Similarly, high and higher secondary school children will be given 30 types of books covering various subjects, including human rights, right to education, etc.
An official from Samagra Shiksha said that the State government, with the aim to create awareness about reading habit among school children, had proposed such a plan to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The ministry then granted permission and sanctioned the fund.
Once the libraries were set up, two periods a week will be allotted for students to visit the library and read. A reading room/corner/space will be set up in the libraries. One class teacher will be appointed as a librarian. Also, five per cent of the total fund will be allotted for maintenance of the books.
It may be noted that, according to the official, Samagra Shiksha has instructed the CEOs to make available copies of the Exam Warrior written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in all the libraries.
