Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has established 275 ultra-modern libraries across rural areas of the state, while construction work on 58 more libraries is underway. Among these, the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Public Library (Aabha Library) in Abohar stands out as a remarkable symbol of this initiative.
Its grandeur has left people astonished, with many comparing it to a five-star hotel. The library has become a living testament to the Mann government’s vision and commitment towards youth empowerment.
Viral social media videos show visitors expressing disbelief that such a luxurious structure is actually a government library created for common students.
The rural library scheme was launched by the Chief Minister on August 15, 2024, from Isru village in Khanna. Since then, it has grown into a silent yet powerful revolution across Punjab.
At present, Amritsar has 4 libraries, Bathinda 29, Fatehgarh Sahib 10, Ferozepur 21, Ludhiana 15, and Patiala 18 libraries already functioning. Each library is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 30–35 lakh, while district-level libraries cost over Rs. 1 crore. This large-scale investment clearly reflects how seriously the Mann government is prioritizing education and youth development.
The Aabha Library in Abohar boasts architecture and design comparable to modern corporate offices or luxury hotels. These libraries are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, solar power systems, digital and analog facilities, and other advanced infrastructure.
They include air-conditioned reading halls, RO drinking water, CCTV surveillance, computer sections, and inverter backup. A wide collection of contemporary literature and curriculum-based books is available. For competitive exam aspirants, thousands of books related to UPSC, SSC, banking, railway, and other examinations have been provided. Some libraries house over 65,000 books, with new titles added regularly.
While inaugurating eight libraries in Barnala, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said these libraries are igniting new hope among students. He stated that youth from remote villages can now access global knowledge without leaving their hometowns.
Expressing confidence, he said these libraries will help shape the future of youth and nurture scientists, doctors, engineers, and technicians. During the inauguration of 12 libraries in Sangrur district, the Chief Minister interacted with school students, discussed the benefits of library resources, and urged villagers to actively maintain these facilities to ensure a positive learning environment.
A key feature of these libraries is that they operate seven days a week from 8 AM to 9 PM, while several district-level libraries also offer 24x7 study room facilities.
A prominent library in Dhuri, built at a cost of Rs. 1.59 crore, is a two-storey structure with a covered area of 3,710 square feet. Some libraries even include canteens serving tea, coffee, and snacks, along with parking facilities, green spaces, and modern landscaping—giving them the look of complete educational complexes. Separate, safe, and comfortable study areas have also been created for women.
These libraries are proving to be a major support system for youth preparing for government jobs. Earlier, students had to migrate to cities like Chandigarh, Mohali, or Delhi and pay thousands of rupees for library memberships. Jagdeep Singh, a student from Ladda village, shared that he visits the library daily because of its clean and study-friendly environment.
Another UPSC aspirant praised the excellent book collection. Students from Abohar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and other border districts are benefiting immensely, as such facilities were previously unavailable in these regions.
In addition to building new libraries, the Mann government has also renovated older ones. The Sangrur district library has been upgraded at a cost of Rs. 1.12 crore and now accommodates 250 students. Colonial-era libraries in cities like Dhuri and Abohar have also been modernized.
The Chief Minister stated that libraries across Punjab will be upgraded on this model. Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said this transformation reflects the government’s commitment to empowering rural areas through education and knowledge.
The social and economic impact of these libraries is significant. Growing awareness about education is energizing the youth, and for the first time, girls from rural areas are visiting libraries in large numbers. Naming the Abohar library after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar also sends a strong message of social justice and equality.
Students from Dalit, backward, and economically weaker sections now have access to facilities that were once reserved for the privileged. This initiative stands as a strong example of inclusive development, giving rural youth confidence that the government is serious about their future.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has repeatedly stated that previous governments were marred by corruption and misuse of public funds. He emphasized that the state now has sufficient resources for development and that public money is being utilized solely for public welfare.
The library scheme stands as direct proof of this commitment. After the Aam Aadmi Party’s victory in the Jalandhar by-election, the Chief Minister said public support reflects appreciation of their work, and investment in education is the true foundation of development. He even invited a young IPS officer, Robin, on stage to inspire students and highlight that education is the solution to social challenges.
Punjab’s library revolution has the potential to become a model for other states. When governments invest in the right sectors, tangible results follow.
The Aabha Library in Abohar and the network of over 275 libraries across Punjab demonstrate that the Mann government not only makes promises but fulfills them. In the coming years, these libraries will help shape hundreds of officers, doctors, engineers, teachers, and professionals who will contribute not only to their own success but also to the development of Punjab and the nation. This initiative is truly an investment in Punjab’s bright and knowledgeable future.