LUCKNOW, Jan. 6 -- Around 10 months after the state government's announcement, preparations are in the final stages to establish digital libraries in 11,000 gram panchayats across all districts in Uttar Pradesh by January 30 after completing the purchase of IT equipment, an official said. In March last, the government had announced laying down of guidelines for setting up and running digital libraries for children and adolescents in 22,000 selected gram panchayats across UP. Panchayati raj director Amit Kumar Singh said, "As of now in the first phase, a digital library each will come up in 11,000 gram panchayats. The remaining 11,000 gram panchayats will be covered in the second phase likely in this calendar year." Each library will cost approximately Rs 4 lakh. This includes Rs 2 lakh for books, Rs 1.30 lakh for IT equipment and Rs 70,000 for modern furniture. This initiative is considered a strong step towards digitally empowering rural India and giving youth equal opportunities in a developed India, the official said. Each digital library will be equipped with a smart LED TV with a camera, two desktop computers, and a computer table. Once installed, the information regarding the set-up will be formally documented and verified by village secretaries and panchayat assistants. Physical books will also remain available in the libraries....