Karnataka Boosts English Learning In Rural Libraries

BENGALURU- The Karnataka government on March 12 expanded its partnership with the British Council to strengthen English learning and improve library services in rural areas through the state’s Gram Panchayat ‘Arivu Kendras’ (Knowledge Centers).

Under the expanded collaboration, the number of British Council Library Corners in Gram Panchayat ‘Arivu Kendras’ will increase from 10 to 70, with 60 additional centers to be established across the state.

As part of the initiative, the British Council will provide 3,000 English children’s books and extend free access to its digital library resources, enabling rural readers to access global knowledge platforms and curated English learning content.

An official said that English skills play an important role in enabling rural youth to access higher education and employment opportunities.

“For many young people in rural Karnataka, English skills provide a pathway to higher education, employability and social mobility,” a state minister said.

Karnataka is also working towards building one of the largest rural knowledge networks in the country through its Gram Panchayat libraries.

At present, 5,884 Gram Panchayat ‘Arivu Kendras’ are functioning across rural Karnataka.

The state government is planning to establish around 6,600 additional village libraries, which will expand the network to more than 12,000 rural libraries across the state.

These centers are equipped with computers and internet connectivity, enabling access to digital learning resources, online training sessions and educational programs for students across thousands of villages in the state.

The management of Gram Panchayat libraries was transferred from the Department of Public Libraries to the Gram Panchayats under the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department on March 1, 2019. (IANS)