Punjab to set up book libraries in 457 schools for young children
The initiative will introduce ECE book libraries in selected Punjab schools, giving young students access to age-appropriate reading material. The programme is part of a wider Punjab education effort to improve learning during the early years.
Rs25,000 allocated for each school
The department has released Rs25,000 for each selected school under the programme.
The funds will be transferred to the schools’ non-salary budget accounts and used to purchase books and establish the libraries.
Each school must buy at least 50 different books for its ECE corner. The selected books must come from the approved list issued by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Authority.
The new ECE corners are expected to provide children with a dedicated space for reading and learning.
Schools given September deadline
School Management Councils will manage the book purchases and must follow the department’s prescribed procedures.
School heads have been directed to complete the school book libraries by September 10.
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After purchasing the books, schools will have to upload complete information about the selected books through the ECE app. A completion certificate must also be uploaded after the work is finished.
The instructions are intended to help authorities monitor how the allocated funds are being used across Punjab schools.
Focus on early childhood learning
Officials said the Early Childhood Education Punjab initiative aims to encourage reading habits among young children.
The new libraries are expected to strengthen children’s language and literacy skills. They may also support basic numeracy, creativity and social and emotional development.
The ECE corners can give teachers additional material for classroom activities. Children can use the books during learning sessions and develop familiarity with reading at an early age.
The department hopes the ECE book libraries will make learning more inter
esting and interactive for young students.
A new step for Punjab education
The project is expected to provide a more effective learning environment during the early years of education.
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For Early Childhood Education Punjab, access to suitable books can be particularly useful because children begin developing important language and learning skills at this stage.
The department will need to ensure that the required books are purchased and the facilities are completed within the given deadline.
