Facilities will have computers, reading devices, mini-conference rooms
Panaji: The Info Tech Corporation of Goa (ITG) has issued a Rs 7.64 crore tender for a digital library project aimed at improving educational infrastructure across the state.
The initiative, part of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme 2023-24, focuses on upgrading libraries for children and adolescents, alongside improving digital infrastructure.
Under the project, 78 new libraries will be set up in panchayats, and 79 existing library buildings in panchayats, as well as 11 municipal buildings, will be renovated to establish digital libraries. The upgraded facilities will be equipped with modern amenities, including computers, reading devices, and mini-conference rooms.
To oversee the project, ITG has appointed five architectural firms as project management consultants. Each firm will be responsible for specific talukas and include Vashistha & Associates from Ponda, Rajesh Kenkre from Panaji, Effective Architectural Services from Panaji, Grid Architecture Interiors Private Ltd from New Delhi, and Klim Art Pvt Ltd from Bangalore.
The tender includes various aspects such as civil work, internal electrification, HVAC systems, interior design, and allied works. According to the project specifications, each library facility will have a maximum floor area of 46.45 square metre, with a cost ceiling of Rs 37,72,485.29, excluding GST. The last date to submit the tender document is February 26, this year.
The project offers contractor-friendly provisions, including a 10% mobilisation advance with simple interest, backed by a bank guarantee. Payments will be structured so that 60% of the bill amount will be released for completed work upon certification by the architect, with the remaining balance cleared within 15 days.
The directorate of art and culture will serve as the client department, while ITG will act as the implementing agency.
The project carries a strict deadline of March 2025, as set by the Union finance ministry’s department of expenditure.
Additionally, there will be a three-year defect liability period.
It is pertinent to note that the Centre had said it would set up a National Digital Library for children and youth to facilitate access to quality books across subjects.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “A National Digital Library for children and adolescents will be set up for facilitating the availability of quality books across geographies, languages, genres and levels and device-agnostic accessibility.”
She had added that states would be encouraged to set up physical libraries for them at panchayat and ward levels and provide infrastructure for accessing the National Digital Library resources.
