Mumbai, 22 June 2026

 

The 55th Capacity Building Programme for Public Library Personnel under the National Mission on Libraries (NML), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, commenced on June 21, 2026 at Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU), Nashik, in collaboration with the Knowledge Resource Centre of the University. The programme will continue till June 25, 2026.

Addressing the inaugural session virtually, Shri R. S. Bora, Additional Mission Director, National Mission on Libraries (NML) and Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building and professional development for library professionals. He said that public libraries must adapt to changing technological and societal needs while continuing to serve as centres of knowledge, learning and community engagement. He noted that training programmes such as these help enhance professional skills and contribute to improving public library services across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dipanjan Chatterjee, FA, National Mission on Libraries, said that NML, established in 2014, is working towards strengthening the public library system through initiatives such as model libraries, surveys of public libraries, capacity building programmes and the National Virtual Library of India. He added that the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation has been playing a key role in implementing these initiatives for the development of public libraries.

In his address, Prof. Sanjeev Sonawane, Vice-Chancellor, YCMOU, stressed the need to modernize public libraries in line with contemporary technological developments. He observed that emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, offer new opportunities for innovation and improved public service delivery.

Prof. Shalini Lihitkar, Department of Library and Information Science, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, highlighted the evolving role of public libraries as centres of learning, community engagement and lifelong education. She emphasized the need to promote reading culture and guide citizens towards authentic information in the digital age.

Shri Ashok Gadekar, Director of Libraries, Government of Maharashtra, informed participants that Maharashtra has one of the largest public library networks in the country. He also noted that geo-tagging of public libraries across the State has been completed, facilitating better planning, monitoring and service delivery.

The Capacity Building Training Programme is one of the major components of the National Mission on Libraries, launched in 2014 by former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee on the recommendation of the National Knowledge Commission. Around 70 participants, primarily public library professionals from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa, are attending the programme.

Ms. Abhilasha Batho compered the inaugural session while Prof. Prakash Barve proposed the vote of thanks. Among the dignitaries present were Prof. Sanjeev Sonawane, Vice-Chancellor, YCMOU; Shri R. S. Bora, Additional Mission Director, NML (virtual participation); Prof. Shalini Lihitkar; Shri Dipanjan Chatterjee, FA, NML; Shri Ashok Gadekar, Director of Libraries, Government of Maharashtra; Dr. Rashmi Ranade, Director, School of Health Sciences; and Dr. Prakash Barve, Director, Knowledge Resource Centre, YCMOU.

 

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PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane

 

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