Goa set to become 1st state to frame library policy

Porvorim: Art and culture minister

Govind Gaude told the assembly on Monday that govt was in the final stage to frame a library policy, and once it is finalised then Goa will be first state in the country to have such policy.
He said that state govt will open 78 new libraries to cultivate the

reading habit

among children and youths and the libraries will help youths who are aspiring to appear for

competitive exams

.

The minister said around 47,000 books have been digitised and by March 2025 another 2 lakh books will be digitised.
“The state govt is in process to finalise library policy for the state and it is in the final stage. Stakeholders will be taken into confidence and soon we will launch the library. If we are able to launch the policy, then it will be the first library policy in the country,” Gaude said.
The minister said that two libraries will be provided in each constituency and MLAs should identify the place.

Speaking on

Kala Academy

issues for over 25 minutes, Gaude assured the House that the works will be completed.
He also spoke on the history behind the structure and how it deteriorated. The minister said that he has all the details of the repair works done till now taken and how they were done.
Gaude said that Kala Academy has not completed 60 years and it cannot be called a heritage structure. But it is an iconic place for all artistes in the state, he said.

Gaude criticised the people who went to the court so that the basic structure of Kala Academy should not be changed. He said that the contribution by artistes has made Kala Academy a monument of excellence and

Charles Correa Foundation

does not have any contribution in it.
The minister said that govt is committed to completing the Kala Academy works. “We assure that no work will remain incomplete,” he said.
Gaude urged Bardez MLAs to come together and finalise a land to construct a new

Ravindra Bhavan

in the taluka.
He said there is a need for preservation of art and culture in the state and for revival of dying arts, state govt will organise workshops and provide funds.
Gaude said that

music centres

have started in all schools. “In 251 govt-aided schools and 44 govt high schools, govt has started music centres,” he said.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said that there is a need for a half an hour discussion on Kala Academy and leader of the opposition Yuri Alemao demanded an audit of the structure.

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