In a transformative push to bolster higher education and competitive exam preparation, the Chhattisgarh government is constructing 34 state-of-the-art ‘Nalanda Parisar’ central libraries-cum-reading zones across the state, announced an official on August 10, 2025. These facilities aim to bridge educational disparities by serving both urban hubs and remote regions, ensuring no youth is left behind in their pursuit of academic and professional success.

The Nalanda Parisar initiative will see modern libraries established not only in major cities like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bhilai, and Raigarh but also in far-flung, forested districts such as Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Surajpur, Baikunthpur, Chirmiri, Kunkuri, Jashpur, Balrampur, and Pendra. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the project’s vision, stating, “From Sukma to Surajpur, Raigarh to Kawardha, these complexes are not just buildings—they are the foundation of a bright future for our youth.”

Equipped with high-speed internet, e-libraries, and high-quality books, these centers will offer both online and offline study options tailored for higher education and competitive exams like UPSC, PSC, and banking tests. The largest facility, a 700-seater complex in Raigarh, is being built through a ₹42.56 crore CSR partnership between the Raigarh Municipal Corporation and NTPC, making it the state’s flagship Nalanda campus.

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The Urban Administration and Development Department, led by Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, has allocated ₹237.57 crore over the past two years for 33 complexes, with ₹125.88 crore approved for 18 complexes in 2025–26 and ₹111.70 crore for 15 in the previous fiscal year. Tendering for 11 complexes is complete, and ₹19.14 crore has been released as the first installment for construction in 11 urban bodies, including Durg, Rajnandgaon, and Ambikapur.

Ten urban bodies, including Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Jashpur, will host 500-seater libraries, while 22 others, like Sukma and Dantewada, will have 250-seater facilities. Raipur, already home to three advanced libraries—a 1,000-seater Nalanda Complex-cum-Oxy Reading Zone, an 800-seater Takshashila Central Library, and a 500-seater Central Library—has seen 400 students secure jobs or admissions to prestigious institutions over the past five years. Two new libraries (1,000-seater and 500-seater) are planned for Raipur, with ₹34.08 crore sanctioned.

This initiative, inspired by the ancient Nalanda University’s legacy, reflects Chhattisgarh’s commitment to empowering its youth, particularly in tribal and remote areas, fostering equitable access to education and career opportunities.

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