KARACHI, June 9: Most of the libraries run by the Directorate of Culture are not functioning properly due to a number of reasons.

A report prepared by the directorate of culture stated that there were total 12 libraries in the province being run by the directorate, besides the Liaquat Memorial Library of Karachi and a mobile library in Larkana.

The report attributes such condition mainly to the lack of required funds and the shortage of staff. It says the posts of assistant directors, librarians and assistant librarians in grade 17 and 16, respectively, had been lying vacant since long.

The department has moved to the government for permission to fill the posts since the Sindh Public Service Commission recommends suitable candidates. The finance department has also been proposed to sanction the required funds.

The report states that Rs35,467,700 were allocated for the libraries in the year 2002-03 of which Rs29,451,600 were consumed through payment of salaries and Rs6,061,100 were spent on other accounts.

It further says that the Liaquat Memorial Library of Karachi, popular among scholars and students, was in dire need of funds for undertaking repair. Its air-conditioned plant has become obsolete and warrants replacement or proper repair. The government had earmarked funds for its maintenance, but the same were later stopped. As a result, the reading room is now without air- condition, it added.

Moreover, the stack rooms are in deplorable condition and many valuable books are in the process of destruction.

The report revealed that Sindh government had pledged an annual grant of Rs1.5 million to refurbish this library and purchase of books but the grant has been stopped.

The report suggests adequate increase in allocations for Khairpur Public Library, Daudpota Library, Hyderabad, and other libraries in the province to attract the people and re-cultivate the reading habits among them that has registered a major decline during the last few decades.—PPI