Ranchi: In a first, the Sports Authority of Jharkhand (SAJHA) is planning to set up a library at Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morabadi in the state capital for students preparing for various competitive examinations.

"Primarily, it will cater to Ranchi University students and our players who would want to sit and study. We have planned seating arrangement for 200 to begin with. There is ample space at the stadium, which is lying unused. So, the library is one of the things we have planned for now," said state sports director Ranendra Kumar.

The SAJHA executive board has approved Rs 80 lakh for the project.

"This (the funds) will be used for procuring books, furniture, computers and other logistic support. Our officials are currently preparing final estimates. In a few weeks from now, the procurement process will begin," Kumar, who is also the SAJHA executive director, said and added that the library was expected to be ready for use by students in a couple of months.

In fact, there is dearth of public libraries in the capital. Some notable ones include the central library on Ranchi University campus, a state library near Albert Ekka Chowk, and the International Library and Cultural Centre (ILCC) on Club Road.

"The central or state libraries are always crowded these days and also need proper maintenance. So, our library will help students who look for space and resources to prepare for various examinations. Besides books, we are also planning to set up an e-library," he signed off.