Principal Secretary, Culture and School Education, Suresh Kumar Gupta, today visited District Library located within the historic Samba Fort, and reviewed the modernization and facility enhancement works. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Samba, Rajesh Sharma; Director Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, K.K. Sidha; CEO; XEN PWD; officials from the Municipal Committee and other officers.
During the inspection, the Principal Secretary toured key areas of the library including reading rooms, senior citizens’ sections and designated spaces for children and students. He engaged closely with the library staff and patrons to understand their needs, particularly regarding library resources and facility maintenance.
A significant focus of the visit was review of Phase 1 works in Samba Fort, centred on modernising the library while preserving Jammu and Kashmir's rich cultural heritage. The Principal Secretary emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in safeguarding historic manuscripts and resources as part of the library’s restoration and modernisation projects.
He highlighted the library’s critical role in cultural preservation while stressing the need to retain the fort's historic character while enhancing the District Library to meet evolving community needs. He proposed a phased redevelopment plan that includes constructing a new building to improve visitor experiences and further support the educational and cultural aspirations of Samba’s residents.
He assured his continued support for the library’s development, pledging commitment to the timely completion of restoration and modernization efforts that honor and sustain the region’s invaluable heritage. The Principal Secretary also took an overview of the education sector in the district especially the deficiency of Teaching faculty at various levels.
He further issued directions to the Chief education Officer Samba to ensure quality education is provided in government schools preparing these students to excel in competitive exams.