First Mobile Library (MPLAD)

Shantaram Naik M.P. today handed over the keys of first mobile library to be allotted under Members Of Parliament Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) to N Shivdas of Goa Konkani Academy. The vehicle was built at the cost of Rs 14 lakhs.



In his brief speech made at a simple ceremony held at Betoda ,Ponda, Naik said that although MPLAD rules provided for giving of books to the beneficiaries, there was no provision for mobile libraries in the MPLAD guidelines. When Naik brought this fact to the notice of Shri M.S. Gill, the then Miinister who looked after the Department of MPLAD, he immediately ordered amendment of MPLAD guidelines.. as Gill himself liked the concept of a mbile library.

Naik said that many MPs will eventually take benefit of change in the rules but the mobile library allotted to Goa Konkani Academi is the first one in India to be allotted under MPLAD . He said although it is said that the reading habits of the people have declined yet, people read literature published through newspapers and magazines besides the daily news , although, they may not be reading novels and other heavy

literary works, as before. Naik said that a new generation resorting to e-reading is going to come up very soon. President of Goa Konkani Academy N Shivdas while giving his welcome address thanked Mr Naik for making extraordinary efforts in getting the mobile library allotted to the Academy Secretary of the Academy Gurudas Pilgaonkar, Addhoot Kamat, Hanumant Chpdekar, Ajay Buva, Uday Gudekar and Lotlikar and Edward Monteiro of Aero Coach Factory were present on the occassion. Executive Member of the Academy proposed a vote of thanks.