PONDA MUNICIPAL LIBRARY AND E-VACHANALAYA INAUGURATED UNDER STATE MODERNISATION DRIVE

“CENTRAL GRANTS FOR E-LIBRARIES WILL BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN RURAL AND URBAN LEARNERS.” SAYS CHIEF MINISTER DR. PRAMOD SAWANT

Panaji: March 02, 2026

The renovated Municipal Library at Ponda Municipality and the upgraded E-Vachanalaya were inaugurated under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24. The scheme aims to strengthen children’s and adolescent libraries and expand digital infrastructure across Goa. The initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment to modernising public libraries and improving access to learning resources.

The project focuses on upgrading physical infrastructure, introducing digital facilities and expanding public access to knowledge platforms. The Government has set a target of modernising 168 libraries across Goa, of which work on 20 libraries has already been completed. The E-Vachanalaya is supported through Central Government assistance to promote digital learning opportunities and bridge access gaps between rural and urban areas. The initiative also envisions dedicated reading spaces for senior citizens to encourage inclusive participation in the reading culture.

Addressing the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasised that modern libraries must integrate traditional reading culture with digital platforms to remain relevant in today’s era. He encouraged students to utilise the E-Library facilities for preparation of competitive examinations such as GPSC and UPSC. Highlighting the broader vision, CM Dr. Sawant stated that investment in education, skill development and reading culture forms the foundation of a developed India by 2047, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening human development through accessible knowledge infrastructure.

The programme was attended by Chairperson of Ponda Municipal Council Shri Virendra Dhavlikar; Director of Art and Culture Shri Vivek Naik; Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture Shri Santosh Sukhadeve; Managing Director of ITGC Shri Pravin Volvoikar and other dignitaries.

DI/INF/AXP/SAG/PD/SN/2026/1283