Deputy Accountant General Urges Technological Overhaul to Revitalize Public Libraries During SPS Library Visit
Srinagar | December 31, 2025:- Deputy Accountant General Ankush Kumar conducted a comprehensive assessment of the SPS Library Complex today as part of a general audit process to evaluate the region’s library infrastructure.
Accompanied by a senior audit team, the Deputy Accountant General inspected the facility’s diverse sections, including the specialized areas for senior citizens, children, and the prestigious Manuscript section.
He was briefed on the library’s storied history dating back to 1898 and its extensive collection of 80,000 books. A key highlight of the visit was the Oriental Research Library (ORL), established in 1904, which houses a rare repository of 6,000 ancient manuscripts in 17 languages, covering fields ranging from science and history to philosophy.
During his interaction with students in the jampacked reading halls, the Deputy Accountant General emphasized the critical role of public libraries in youth empowerment and social development. He advocated for a shift from traditional collection-oriented models to service-based institutions driven by modern technological interventions.
Highlighting the changing knowledge landscape, he called for continued efforts to upgrade facilities to support students preparing for competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and Civil Services. He expressed satisfaction with the recent expansion of reading capacity at SPS Library, which has grown from 90 to 350 seats, including a dedicated reading space for female students.
The visit also served as an opportunity to review the broader expansion of the library network across Jammu and Kashmir. Officials informed the Deputy Accountant General that new library buildings have recently been completed in Baramulla, Aishmuqam, and Kreeri, with several others currently under construction in Ganderbal, Bandipora, and remote areas like Gurez and Tanghdar.
Following the inspection, a marathon meeting was held with the Department of Libraries & Research to discuss physical infrastructure, financial management, and the urgent need for digital transformation to ensure that public libraries remain relevant and accessible to all sections of society.