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, aimed at strengthening children’s and adolescent libraries and expanding digital infrastructure across Goa.
The initiative is part of the state government’s effort to modernise public libraries by upgrading physical infrastructure, introducing digital facilities and improving public access to knowledge platforms. The government has set a target of modernising 168 libraries across Goa, with work on 20 libraries already completed.
The E-Vachanalaya project is supported through Central Government grants to promote digital learning opportunities and help bridge the gap between rural and urban learners. The initiative also plans to create dedicated reading spaces for senior citizens to encourage wider participation in the reading culture.
Addressing the programme, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasised that modern libraries must combine traditional reading culture with digital platforms to remain relevant in today’s era. He encouraged students to make full use of E-Library facilities for preparing for competitive examinations such as Union Public Service Commission and Goa Public Service Commission.
Dr. Sawant further stated that investment in education, skill development and reading culture forms the foundation for achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening human development through accessible knowledge infrastructure.
The programme was attended by Chairperson of Ponda Municipal Council Virendra Dhavlikar, Director of Art and Culture Vivek Naik, Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture Santosh Sukhadeve, Managing Director of Info Tech Corporation of Goa Pravin Volvoikar, and other dignitaries.
