Gumla, among the backward districts of Jharkhand with a literacy rate of 67 per cent (as per 2011 census), became the first district of the tribal-dominated state to have a state-owned library exclusively for women.

The 400-seat library with modern facilities was inaugurated on Monday by the state finance minister Rameshwar Oraon and has been named after Savitri Bai Phule — the country’s first woman teacher and social worker.

“All the basic facilities, including books for every type of competitive examination, have been made available in the said library. There are thousands of books on different subjects which will prove helpful for any type of competitive exam,” said Gumla deputy commissioner Sushant Gaurav, who played a crucial role behind the initiative.

“It is a matter of pride for the district that a library has been built for women in the district. In which women and students can come and do their studies in a peaceful environment without any hesitation. I thank the deputy commissioner and the district administration for giving shape to this initiative,” said Rameshwar Oraon.

“I would advise the girl students that they should not only read books to pass exams but to acquire knowledge,” said Oraon, a retired IPS.

He also narrated his experience of utilising reading in his library which helped him in his career. “I would appeal to the girls to make maximum use of the library. Annually nearly 54,000 girl students pass out from class nine to graduate level in Gumla district, for whom the library revolution was started with the aim of providing better education facilities so that every child can get the facility of reading easily. We are working on opening libraries in all the 12 blocks and in all panchayat buildings,” said Sushant Gaurav.

The two-storied library has around 7,000 books related to competitive exams and various professions and eight computers. Students can sit in the library for 13 hours continuously and study. Sofas and tables have been provided for seating. There are seven rooms for group discussion of students and 16 students can do group discussion together in each room. Soon internet and wifi facilities will also be installed at the library.

Gumla additional collector Sudhir Gupta who is in charge of the library initiative claimed that though a monthly fee of Rs 200 has been kept for the girl candidates but there will be exemptions for those not having parents, disabled and coming from extremely poor backgrounds.

“All the staff including the librarian, cleaning staff, attendant, security guards will be women,” said Gupta.