Shopian, Feb 8, KNT: In a significant step aimed at strengthening youth empowerment through education, the Rural Development Department, through Block Shopian, has established the district’s first 24×7 Public Library cum Reading Room at Gagren in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.
The facility, named Noori Public Library, has been functional since April 2025 and is operating round the clock, providing an uninterrupted academic space for students and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations and other academic pursuits.
Officials said the library is currently operating at full capacity with around 100 enrolled students, reflecting a growing demand for structured and resource-rich study environments in the district. The initiative has quickly emerged as a vital learning hub, particularly for youth from rural areas who lack access to dedicated reading and preparation spaces.
The project has been executed under the District Capex Plan at an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh. The facility is equipped with modern amenities including uninterrupted power supply, heating arrangements, high-speed internet connectivity, and a calm and conducive study atmosphere.
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The initiative marks a shift in the approach of the Rural Development Department, which is increasingly focusing on education, intellectual growth, and career-oriented infrastructure alongside its traditional role of creating physical assets.
Officials said the library is largely free of cost, with students paying only a nominal amount towards maintenance. Notably, the day-to-day management of the facility is handled by the students themselves, a model that promotes discipline, responsibility, and a sense of collective ownership.
Students have welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the District Administration Shopian and the Rural Development Department for providing a platform that supports academic growth and career building.
Speaking about the initiative, Shakil Bhat, Block Development Officer Shopian, said the project has set a new benchmark in rural development by placing knowledge, aspiration, and youth at the centre of governance. He said the facility stands as a model of how focused investments in education can bring meaningful change at the grassroots level. [KNT]
