Manpower shortage hits Margao library computerisation project
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, JAN 13
Margao Municipal Council’s ambitious e-grantalaya project of computerizing the library has hit a roadblock and is stuck by manpower shortage and official indifference.
Even as the Margao Municipality has received a grant of Rs five lakh from the government as promised by the Chief Minister for library upgradation, the e-grantalaya is progressing at a snail’s pace since its commissioning with much fanfare nearly a year and half ago.
Herald inquiries have revealed that of the 22,000-odd books housed in the library – popular amongst students and adults over the decades – library officials have managed to complete data feeding of only 10,000 books, raising questions over the inauguration of the computerization project much before it completion in all aspects.
Sadly, the e-grantalaya project did not evoke the much-needed support from the Civic officials for best reasons know to them, throwing the project haywire. In fact, if officials are to be believed, senior officials even withdrew the staff drafted to the library to undertake data feeding.
That’s not all. The data feeding work is presently being undertaken by the existing library staff without help and assistance from computer trained staff and employees.
The issue was brought to the notice of successive Chief Officers since the last one year and half, but in vain.
Meanwhile, sources in the Civic body informed that a grant of Rs five lakh has been received from the government towards the upgradation of the library.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had promised to sanction Rs five lakhs for upgradation of the library while commissioning the e-grantalaya project.
Sources in the know said part of the funds will be utilized to procure books, including novels and reference books, while funds will also be spent to buy computers for the benefit of the readers.
The MMC library spends Rs 6000 on newspapers, periodicals and magazines every month and cater to the growing requirement of students who avail the library facilities for assignments.
