Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today highlighted that the state’s ‘Kitaab Ghars’ (book hubs) are creating a dedicated platform for local writers while preserving Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural, historical, and literary traditions.
Currently, seven Kitaab Ghars are operational at Gaiety Theatre (Shimla), Dev Sadan (Kullu), Kala Kendra (Solan), Lata Mangeshkar Kala Kendra (Una), Sanskriti Sadan (Hamirpur), Bilaspur, and Mandi. Two additional centers will open in Nahan and Chamba once ongoing auditorium construction is completed.
Agnihotri noted that these venues serve as multi-use cultural spaces for literary events and public reading, rather than just retail shops. They feature publications from the Language, Art, and Culture Department, the Himachal Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, alongside works by regional authors.
Detailing the distribution framework, Director of Language and Culture Reema Kashyap explained that writers can submit up to five different titles, with a maximum of four copies per title. Revenue from book sales—minus a 10 percent service commission—will be transferred directly to authors’ bank accounts via RTGS every quarter. Writers also retain the right to determine discount rates on their titles.
The department has issued an open invitation to all Himachali writers to showcase their published works at these centers to connect with a broader readership.
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