With the objective of bridging a gap between police and public and also to make police stations child-friendly, the Sundargarh police district launched a pilot project of 'Let’s read' on the Independence Day.
A reading-cum-activity centre with facilities of reading books, magazines and internet facility to give access to e learning, was inaugurated at Reserve Police Line at Sundargarh town by State Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo, amid presence of other dignitaries and senior police officials.
Sources said each police station of Sundargarh police district will now have a happy place named as 'Anand Ghar' with child friendly infrastructure, decor and toys. Apart from facilities of reading books and magazines both in Odia and English language, there would be card and board games, colouring and sketch books etc. in these happy place.
"An e-library is being set up at each of these center with access to computer and internet facility, so that they can read, explore and utilise their time in more constructive manner," said Sundargarh SP Sagarika Nath.
"Periodic activities will be conducted in these centers, including various competitions, with the objective of keeping them informed about the current development of the society," Nath said.
"Trained manpower will be engaged to guide the children whose parents are arrested for their criminal activities," Nath added.
Significantly, under the Ama Khusi and Ama Surakhya Programme, one Anand Ghar was opened for children at Rajgangpur police station a few months back with the similar objectives. After getting good response, these centers have been opened in four other police stations of the district, like Kutra, Bargaon, Biramitrapur and Sadar police station, later.