4 months on, public libraries in Mohali have no stories to tell

Even though it has been three years since the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) handed over six libraries to the MC, the facilities are crying

Even though it has been three years since the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) handed over six libraries to the MC, the facilities are crying for neglect.

Racks lie bare with only a few books and newspapers stocked at the Phase 11 library in Mohali. (GURMINDER SINGH/HT)

Opened to public four months ago, the libraries have failed to attract readers. There are just six libraries located in various green belts of the city, but the municipal corporation has done little for them, despite the fact that GMADA had spent ₹20 lakh on each library.

DONATED BOOKS FILL RACKS

These libraries are located in Phases 4, 6, 3B1 and 9, and sectors 69 and 70. There are around 18 people employed in these libraries on ad hoc basis, but they have not received their salaries for the last four months.

The libraries are not well-stocked because whatever books there are, have not been bought by the civic body but have been donated by the city people. There is no policy in place that dictates how and when can a person become a member or issue books.

The library, located in a park, carries no banner to reflect its presence. (HT PHOTO)

LACK DRINKING WATER, FURNITURE

Some of them even lack basic facilities such as furniture and drinking water. There are no sign boards to indicate that a building is indeed a library.

Students and scholars, desirous of perusing the services of the libraries have limited options, and instead have to go to the public libraries in Chandigarh sectors 17 or 34.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) councilor Sukhdev Singh Patwari expressed disappointment with the management.

He said, it was inexcusable that it has been more than four months now since the libraries were inaugurated.

“The civic body has not floated any tenders for procuring new books. In the Sector 70, there are only 1,000 books, which have been donated by the people,” said Patwari

Adding tot he woes , the employees are feeling cheated as they haven’t received salaries.

Mohali MC commissioner Bhupinder Pal Singh said, “As far as the salaries of employees
are concerned, there were
some objections from the audit department. We will make sure to sort that out soon. We will be providing more books soon in the libraries.”