No computers no broadband = e-library

It seems the 'e' in the 'e-library' at Vidhana Soudha — inaugurated two months ago by none other than chief minister Jagadish Shettar — stands for 'empty' rather than 'electronic'. How else can you explain the fact that the library has no computers, not to mention a broadband connection.

The library, also inaugurated by the then governor TN Chaturvedi on March 3, 2006, was established to provide all the information our netas would need to actively participate in the debates in the assembly.

According to sources, the state government has spent more than `1 crore for the renovation and upgradation of the e-library. There is a provision to install 50 computers to enable the legislators to have access to government documents and the proceedings of the assembly. The authorities concerned have made arrangements to put up tables and chairs to accommodate 50 legislators at a time. However, not even a single computer has been installed at the e-library. “We have already sent a proposal for this purpose to the authorities concerned. We are expecting to attend a meeting on September 25 to discuss this issue,’’ said Anasuya Devagiri, chief librarian.

Sources have revealed that the department concerned was not able to install the computers since the e-library has no broadband facility. It has also been said that the department concerned had prepared e-mail addresses of all legislators more than a month ago but only a few had bothered to collect them. “There was a broadband facility but it was damaged while renovating this chamber. Officials from the e-governance department made a few visits but could not able to find a solution till now,’’ said an employee.

As of now, there are around 20 employees at the e-library. They do not have much to do. One can see the chairs meant for visitors always empty. “Not many people visit this library. A few legislators visited the library during the first two weeks of its inauguration. We can expect legislators to visit during the assembly session. We are yet to maintain a visitors register,’’ said another employee.

Om Prakash, secretary, Vidhana Soudha, said that all facilities would be made available as early as possible. “Efforts are being made to install computers and restore the broadband facility at the e-library within a few days,’’ said Prakash.