ISLAMABAD, Sept 27: First ever solar energy system and a digital library with a million books in its database system have been installed in a college of the federal capital.

Solar energy system will provide the energy for Information Technology (IT) block of the college and will reduce the electricity bill. Digital library will provide access to a million books.

It was stated by the principal of Islamabad College for Girls (ICG) F-6, Shaista Pirzada on Thursday. She said that since September 3, as many as 25 computers, eight fans, 12 tube lights and other devices have been running with solar energy system. All the devices have been running without any interruption.

Nida Malik, a student of the school said that it was a positive step that management has installed solar energy system.

Federal Minister for Capital Administration and Development (CAD), Nazar M. Gondal also visited the school on Thursday and appreciated the work done by the management. He said: “Public Sector Educational Institutions of the capital should serve as role models for the entire country because education is the only solution to end ignorance and move ahead.”

“Modern technology like digital libraries could prove beneficial for students, and all public sector institutions must have this facility. Our students have the potential to excel in any field, provided, they are given the environment to study and proper guidance to groom”, said the minister.

The minister said that quality education can turn our youngsters into quality manpower and make them civilised citizens. He asked the heads of institutions to replicate the concept of digital library in their institutions and provide this facility to their students also.

He urged them to enhance the provision of quality transportation for the students, so that every child studying in any school or college must avail this facility.

“It is indeed praiseworthy that this college has switched its laboratories over to solar energy system. The country is faced with acute energy crisis and the solution is to find alternate energy sources. I appreciate the administration of the college for moving in the direction of achieving self-dependence to fulfill its energy needs”, expressed Mr Gondal.

The minister also distributed some 500 Disaster Management Kits among the teachers, which were donated by UNESCO.

Secretary CAD, Ms Riffat Shaheen Qazi, Coordinator CAD, Atif Mehmood Kiayni and other senior officials of the Ministry were also present on the occasion.