Palike to introduce libraries in schools

BANGALORE: As an iniative to induce reading habit among students, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has come forward to start reading rooms in its schools and college campus.The Palike, which runs 178 primary and secondary schools, 38 high schools, 13 pre-university colleges and one degree college, does not have its own library.Speaking to Express, Ramesh Raju, Chairperson of the Standing Committee (Education) said that library plays an important role in providing quality education.He said, “Like most of the private schools in Bangalore which have good library facilities, we too want to provide reading rooms with high standards to children as well teachers,” he said.Ramesh added that Palike will seek Kannada Development Authority (KDA) to provide vast number of books suitable for students.“There is no dearth of funds or agencies who can give us books. We have sufficient funds for construction of reading rooms and also to procure infrastructure facilities like desk and chairs. We have enough provision for the requirements in the budget this year. We are waiting for the state government’s approval in the BBMP budget 2011,” he said.Ramesh also said that they will subscribe for leading English and Kannada dailies and journals for the library.A teacher from every school will be trained to maintain these books as there will be no librarian.“We will encourage students to spend at least half an hour a day. We will direct the principals and teachers to make the students to use the facilities,” he added.The Standing Committee is also gearing up to improve the conditions of Palike’s eductional institutions.Ramesh said that the committee had asked principals of all schools and colleges to send a list of the required facilities.“Most of the schools have requested for more number of toilets and repainting of school building, which we will provide soon,” he added.