UP establishes digital libraries across 57,600 village councils

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 5th Gomti Book Festival-2026, underscoring the state government's commitment to expanding digital literacy infrastructure in rural communities. The initiative has established digital libraries across 57,600 gram panchayats, bringing technological access to some of India's most underserved areas.

Addressing attendees at the festival, Adityanath emphasized the importance of fostering a reading culture among the youth. He encouraged young people to establish their own community book banks, positioning them as custodians of knowledge dissemination at the grassroots level. The effort reflects a broader strategy to democratize access to educational resources beyond traditional urban centers.

The Gomti Book Festival serves as a platform to celebrate literary culture while promoting the state's digital infrastructure projects. By combining physical book festivals with digital library initiatives, the state aims to create multiple pathways for knowledge acquisition among rural populations. The establishment of digital libraries in panchayats represents a significant step toward bridging the urban-rural digital divide in Uttar Pradesh.

The initiative aligns with the state's broader development agenda to enhance educational infrastructure and promote digital adoption in villages. Officials view the combination of physical and digital library infrastructure as essential for sustaining long-term improvements in literacy rates and knowledge accessibility across the state.