UP Rural Education Revolution: Digital Libraries to Open in 11,350 Gram Panchayats by January 30

Tech News, Lucknow, January 6, 2026 : In a major push to transform the educational landscape of rural India, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that state-of-the-art digital libraries in Gram Panchayat Secretariats will be fully operational by January 30, 2026. This initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to bring world-class study resources to the doorsteps of rural aspirants.

Deadlines Set for Procurement

To ensure the libraries are ready for students by the end of the month, the Panchayati Raj Department has established strict timelines for all districts:

• January 26: Deadline for the procurement of modern furniture (desks, ergonomic seating, and storage).

• January 30: Final cutoff for the installation of all IT hardware, including computers and high-speed internet infrastructure.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Gap

Panchayati Raj Director, Amit Kumar Singh, stated that these libraries are more than just reading rooms; they are designed as “Education Hubs.” Rural students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, UPPSC, NEET, and JEE will no longer need to migrate to expensive cities for resources.

Each library is being established with a budget of approximately ₹4 lakh, distributed as follows:

• ₹2,00,000: For a curated collection of academic and competitive books (hard copies).

• ₹1,30,000: For IT equipment (Computers, LED screens, Wi-Fi, and CCTV).

• ₹70,000: For modern furniture and creating a student-friendly environment.

A Wealth of Digital Content

The libraries will offer access to over 20,000 digital resources, including:

• Interactive e-books and audiobooks.

• Recorded video lectures from top educators.

• Mock tests and quizzes for real-time exam preparation.

• High-speed Wi-Fi to support online learning.

Management & Sustainability

To ensure these facilities are well-maintained, the day-to-day management will be the responsibility of the Gram Pradhan and the Panchayat Secretary. Continuous monitoring will be carried out by Assistant Development Officers (ADOs) to track usage and ensure technical systems remain functional.

Project Highlights at a Glance