Gorkha Janmukti Morcha criticise Karim for organising a book fair during winter holidays

 Karim takes flak over fair

Darjeeling, Jan. 2.TT: Minister for library services Chowdhury Abdul Karim faced criticism from Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leaders today for organising a book fair in the hills at a time most educational institutions were shut for winter holidays.

The Morcha leaders also highlighted the poor condition of around 100 libraries across Darjeeling district.

Karim today inaugurated a four-day book fair at the Gorkha Rangmanch Bhawan. Although he said the fair was being organised after 10 years, sources in the department said it was being held after 12 years.

Amar Singh Rai, the chairman of Darjeeling municipality, said: “I do not think this is the right time to organise a book fair as during winters all the educational institutions are closed. I wonder how many (people) will come.”

Darjeeling MLA Trilok Dewan said the libraries in the district hardly had books.

“Forty years ago when I was a student I used to visit Deshbandhu District Library. I went there recently and found that the state of affairs was worse than what it used to be 40 years ago. It is no longer a library but a godown for books. I asked for a 2001 census report and they did not have it,” said the Mocha leader.

Karim, however, blamed the previous government for the state of affairs in the hills. “Darjeeling has suffered immensely because of the anti-people policy of the previous Left Front government. Our government (Trinamul Congress) is committed to restoring the lost glory of Darjeeling. We will provide grants to upgrade Deshbandhu library. I will ask the district library officers to submit proposals for grants for the other libraries in the hills.”

VIVEK CHHETRI