HYDERABAD: Books are the source of not just information but also inspiration and contribute to the wholesome development of children. But how will children in government schools, who are normally from poor backgrounds, get access to inspiring knowledge, as there are no libraries in government schools?
There are about 800 government schools in Greater Hyderabad (GHMC) limits but most of them do not have libraries, thus highlighting the sorry state of affairs.
Though officials say that there are libraries in all government high schools and even ` 15,000 is allotted for each school for libraries, the actual situation at ground is completely different.
“Forget libraries. There are not even sufficient classrooms to accommodate pupils. As the classrooms are not sufficient the school is run in two shifts, with half day for some classes and half day for other classes. We have never seen any books at school,” said B Bhikshamaiah, a parent whose kid is studying at Bagh Amberpet Government High School.
The same opinion is echoed by students studying at various other government schools and their parents. While there are no libraries at government schools, Public Libraries Department do little to address the problem.
While there are a total of 86 libraries in Hyderabad, there is not even one library which is exclusively meant for children. Though there are separate sections for children in State Central Library at Afzalgunj and City Central Library at Chikkadpally, most of the time these sections look deserted as it is difficult for students to come all the way to these libraries from far off places.
“Normally, kids do not come to library on week days due to school. We get about 30 to 50 children on holidays. For kids to come to the library even parents should find time. But not only are the parents busy but also students are bogged down by special classes and studies,” said P Neeraja, chief librarian, City Central Library.
Parents demand children’s libraries in colonies as it is difficult for kids to go all the way to Afzalgunj or Chikkadpally.