Organisations submit memo to Cachar DC, seek information on renovation of district library in Silchar

Members of the District Library Construction and Development Committee and Beekshan Cine Commune, on Wednesday, submitted a memorandum to Cachar deputy commissioner Laya Madduri demanding information on the renovation of the district library building in Silchar.

The memorandum said the district library, one of the ancient and famous edifices in Silchar town, had been in a shambles for the past several years as a result of which it is extremely problematic to organise events. The state government had earmarked funds in its last two budgets, but the decrepit picture of the library has not changed over the years.

The committee members alleged in the memorandum that though they had brought the matter to the attention of the district administration many times in the past, no step was taken. A committee was formed (when S. Viswanathan was the deputy commissioner of the district) which used to provide updates about different aspects related to the library’s renovation, but the committee has become non-functional for the past many months, they said.

The members urged the deputy commissioner to share information about the current status of the steps taken by the state government for the renovation of the library building. The memorandum was signed by Kamal Chakraborty and Angshuman Acharjee from the District Library Construction and Development Committee, while Krishanu Bhattacharjee, Ratnadeep Deb, Rahul Kanti Deb and Gora Chakraborty were the signatories from Beekshan Cine Commune.

Established in 1955, the library building has been in a dilapidated condition over the past many years, especially because of lack of maintenance. The condition of seats, windows and roof is poor while unwanted foliage in the premises adds insult to injury. The condition worsens during monsoons with rain-waters often inundating the premises and entering the building. A number of organisations have raised the issue with the authorities and demanded the building’s renovation, however, its fate remains unchanged till date.