A library building in Somayampalayam village in Coimbatore district remains unused. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A total of 77 libraries constructed under the Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam (AGAMT) across village panchayats in Coimbatore district await renovation.
The DMK government reinstated the AGAMT scheme after assuming office in May 2021. Initially implemented between 2006 and 2011, the scheme aimed at the comprehensive development of village panchayats, focusing on enhancing basic infrastructure in a phased manner over five years. As part of this initiative, libraries were established in each village panchayat.
Concerns have been raised regarding the poor maintenance of these libraries. In Sultanipuram village, under the Somayampalayam panchayat, a library building remains unused and in a state of neglect. “The building lacks adequate space for students and has been repurposed as a storage facility for waste materials. Although it was constructed over a decade ago, it was never officially inaugurated, leaving many residents unaware of its intended purpose,” said R. Santhakumar, social activist and founder of Aaniver Amaippu.
He said there was no library within a three-km radius, despite the presence of three government schools in the vicinity. “Most parents in the area are daily wage labourers. If reopened, the library will be highly beneficial for students,” he added.
According to data from the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Coimbatore district has 228 AGAMT libraries. In 2021-22, 75 libraries were renovated, and in 2022-23, 76 libraries were restored, bringing the total number of renovated libraries to 151. The structural development of these libraries was carried out at a cost of ₹3 crore, with an additional ₹38 lakh allocated for furniture.
“We have submitted a proposal to renovate the remaining 77 libraries and are awaiting the State government’s approval. Once approved, renovation work will begin, including the procurement of furniture such as racks and tables, each costing ₹25,000. Additionally, we plan to appoint permanent librarians in all renovated libraries to ensure proper operation and oversight,” said Additional Collector (Development) Sanket Balwant Waghe.
According to District Library Officer P. Rajendran, AGAMT libraries do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Local Library Authority. “Their maintenance is solely the responsibility of the respective panchayats,” he said. Meanwhile, under the Local Library Authority, the district has 251 libraries. Of these, 55 libraries are set to receive additional buildings at a cost of ₹22 lakh, and seven new libraries will be constructed at ₹1.5 crore, according to Mr. Rajendran.
Published – March 21, 2025 07:14 pm IST
