Fatehabad library row: MLA, AAP leader seek action

The long-standing struggle over Fatehabad’s district library has once again taken the centre stage, with growing public pressure and political voices demanding immediate reform. On Friday, local MLA Balwan Singh Daulatpuria visited the current library site at Bal Bhawan, following a request by the Library Sangharsh Samiti.

After inspecting the facility, the MLA made said, “This place is not fit even for a small-town library, let alone a district-level one. If the administration considers this a proper library, then God give them wisdom.” He called for an end to the administration’s “stubbornness” and recommended forming a joint team of district officials and the library committee to select a suitable plot for a permanent library building.

As a temporary solution, he suggested relocating the library to the Panchayat Bhawan on GT Road, which is more accessible and safer for users. The MLA assured the citizens that he would raise the issue with the Chief Minister in Chandigarh, and, if needed, take it up forcefully during the next Assembly session.

Dr Sushil Gupta, Haryana AAP president and former Rajya Sabha MP, also wrote to CM Nayab Singh Saini, calling for an immediate revamp of the district library. In his letter, Gupta highlighted that despite being established in 2007, the library still had no permanent building. “It keeps shifting-first Bal Bhawan, then bus stand, then temporary spaces. This instability hurts education and students’ future,” he wrote.

He criticised the lack of books, poor study environment and absence of modern facilities at the current site. Gupta urged the CM to set up a modern, fully equipped library with reading halls, digital labs and free services for students and the public. He also raised the issue on social media platform X, urging quick government action. Library Sangharsh Samiti convener Mohan Lal Narang urged the MLA to raise the matter in the Assembly. He also requested that the old SDM residence land be allotted for the construction of a permanent library.