A senior official from the Directorate of School Education said, “Now that 90 per cent of work on setting up libraries is over, the government has come out with a new plan to introduce two compulsory periods for students to read in the libraries. This will ensure that students read more and that the libraries are utilised better.”

“In addition to this, a teacher (librarian) will be appointed in every school to guide students about using libraries,” the official added. He also said that the newly appointed teachers would not only maintain the libraries but also ensure that adequate and appropriate books are available for students studying from elementary level to higher secondary grade.

Stating that all the school principals would be instructed that the librarians not be assigned classroom work, the official said each school should celebrate National Library Week from November 14 to 20 every year to create awareness among the students about the positive effects of reading.

Also, during the morning prayer sessions, students would be asked to share details about the books they read. “The schools will be asked not to impose fine on the students if they accidentally damage books,” the official said. He added that the schools should also take steps to tie up with NGOs and other organisations to increase the number of books available in the libraries.