Digital libraries to boost rural education in 104 Agra panchayats

Agra: In a bid to bridge the education gap between rural and urban areas, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced the establishment of modern digital libraries in 104 gram panchayats of Agra district.The project, to be implemented by the Panchayati Raj department on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to provide rural students with access to digital learning resources and support their preparation for competitive examinations.Each digital library will be equipped with computers, high-speed internet, e-books and a wide range of digital study material. The initiative is intended to help students who cannot afford costly coaching institutes or frequent travel to urban centres for academic resources.District panchayati raj officer Manish Kumar said the libraries would function as comprehensive learning hubs for village students. "Along with books by reputed authors, students will have access to digital content that can significantly improve their preparation for competitive exams," he said.Chief development officer Pratibha Singh said around Rs 4 lakh would be spent on each library. Of this, Rs 2 lakh has been earmarked for books, Rs 1.30 lakh for IT equipment and about Rs 7,000 for modern furniture. In addition to printed material, the libraries will offer e-books, video lectures, audio content, quizzes and nearly 20,000 digital learning resources.The libraries will be managed by the gram pradhan and secretary, with regular monitoring by designated officials.