To strengthen education in Dahod district, which faces a shortage of nearly 2,700 teachers, the district panchayat has launched a major initiative to build 100 modern libraries in Adivasi areas.
Letters have been sent to taluka development officers, asking for details of around 2,000 sq ft of government wasteland or common land within gram panchayat limits. About 100 villages have been shortlisted in the first phase.
District Development Officer Santosh Lodha said the project, with a budget of ₹25 crore under the Tribal Sub-Plan, will see most libraries set up inside village primary schools to ensure electricity and security. Larger villages with bigger schools will be given priority.
Each library will have seating for 100 students and be stocked with books and furniture, providing a dedicated space for children and aspirants preparing for exams like GPSC and UPSC.
Groundwork is expected to begin within a week, followed by construction of the first 100 libraries.