SHIMLA, 22.09.26-Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today here said that the ‘Kitaab Ghars’ established across Himachal Pradesh would provide a wider platform for local authors and help promote the state’s rich literary, cultural and historical heritage.

He said that seven Kitaab Ghars are currently operational at Gaiety Theatre Shimla, Dev Sadan Kullu, Kala Kendra Solan, Lata Mangeshkar Kala Kendra Una, Sanskriti Sadan Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Mandi. Similar Kitab Ghars would be opened in Nahan and Chamba after completion of the ongoing auditorium works.

Sh. Agnihotri said the Kitaab Ghars would not only function as book outlets but also as centres for literary interaction, reading and cultural activities. Books and journals published by the Language, Art and Culture Department and the Himachal Academy of Art, Culture and Languages along with works by local authors and other publications on Himachal were being made available.

Director, Department of Language and Culture, Reema Kashyap, said an author can provide up to four copies of one title and a maximum of five different titles for sale. After deduction of a 10 percent commission, the remaining sale proceeds would be transferred to the author’s bank account through RTGS at the end of every quarter. Authors may also decide the discount offered on their books.

The Department has invited all authors and writers of Himachal Pradesh to make their published works available at the Kitaab Ghars, providing them with an effective avenue to reach a larger readership.