Srinagar, May 26 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said paucity of funds has delayed completion of the State of Art Library complex in the city even as it assured that the project will be completed very soon. "The construction work on the (State of Art Library) complex was started during 2003 at an estimated cost of Rs 17.34 crore, but due to paucity of funds it could not be completed within the time frame," Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora said. Jora, who visited the upcoming Library complex at Moulana Azad road yesterday, said the Library Department would soon have its State of Art Library complex with modern facilities. Taking stock of the pace of the Library Complex work, the Minister directed the executing agency to re-double efforts to expedite work on the project for its time-bound completion. Jora said the Government has released over Rs 10 crore during last few years for its speedy completion, against which so far Rs seven crore have been incurred on the project. "The formulation of revised plan become necessary due to cost escalation," he said directing the executing agency to submit revised plan for approval of funds well in time. The Minister said after completion of the complex, the State of Art Library will have 60 cabins and a children centre with audio visual facilities would be linked with internet facility. He said the complex have also a space for three lakhs books and 8,000 manuscripts, besides play auditorium and Art gallery.
Source: Press Trust of India
