Libraries in Mohali parks remain non-operational

Pavneet Singh Chadha

Tribune News Service

Mohali, January 1

As a reading room was inaugurated recently at the District Administrative Complex, Mohali, to encourage reading habits among students, the libraries built at the neighbourhood parks in the district still remain non-operational.

Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) had built six libraries at parks in phases 3B1 (rose garden), 4 (bougainvillea), 6,11, Sector 65 and Sector 69, reportedly at a cost of Rs 18-19 lakh each, which have now been handed over to the Municipal Corporation (MC).

The foundation stone for the libraries was laid by Anandpur Sahib MP Chandumajra in 2016. But, even a year after their construction, they remain locked.

The corporation is yet to procure books, newspapers, furniture or hire staff for the libraries. To use a Hemingway reference, the libraries are ‘white elephants’ to the MC.

Ramandeep Singh, a resident of Phase 3B1 asked, “What is the purpose of spending taxpayers’ money if the library remains non functional? The initiative is good, but the MC should make it operational. It will benefit the students and retired persons.”

Students have limited options when it comes to libraries in Mohali and they have to go to the public libraries in Chandigarh in Sector 17 and 34.

Some citizens and Resident Welfare Associations (RWA’s) had expressed interest in running the libraries and even donating books.

Gurbir Singh Gulati, member of Mohali Senior Citizens Association (MSCA) said their association had approached the Mayor’s office regarding a proposal to manage the affairs of the library instead of giving it out on a contract. He said, “We had approached the authorities saying that we could run the libraries efficiently at one-third the cost, but nothing has materialised yet.”

A senior MC official said that the delay was because they had only recently received the charge of libraries. “All electrical and civil works have been completed. The libraries, measure 36 x 36 square feet and include space for a reading hall, pantry and washroom,” he said.

Mohali Mayor Kulwant Singh said, “We are in the process of procuring furniture, books and hiring the requisite staff through the tendering process. The estimates have been passed. The libraries will be operational soon.”

The Mayor said the MC had not received any written proposal from RWA’s or civil society members pertaining to jointly run the libraries. “They are welcome to donate books for the libraries,” he added. He denied the park libraries would be inaugurated next month as was being reported earlier. The MC Commissioner, Sandeep Hans, could not be reached for a comment.