Srinagar: A senior IPS officer has started distributing freebooks to students, hailing from remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, in order tohelp them crack competitive examinations.

Basant Rath, an IGP rank officer, uses social media to reachout to aspirants who want to crack competitive examinations like NEET and JEE. "Anyoneneeds a book on UGC NET Commerce? DM (direct message) me your complete addressand mobile number," he tweeted.

The police officer from Odisha feels that people from remoteparts of the state are as talented as those in the cities and towns but lack ofresources often become a major obstacle in their progress. "Right now thefocus is to reach out to those who do not have access to good resource materialfor appearing in the examinations the far flung areas of the state," Rathtold.

Rath shot to fame last year with his unorthodox but highlyeffective ways of addressing the unruly traffic scene in the state, especiallyin Srinagar and Jammu cities. He has not given up his unorthodox ways yet.Theofficer is a frequent visitor to Srinagar's flea market every Sunday where hesets up his own stall and puts hundreds of books on display. Anyone can takeone book without any question being asked.

The officer is keen on working out a mechanism through whichthe students do not have to reach out to him as it would entail travelling toSrinagar. He is looking for a reliable courier service that can deliver thebooks the same day."I need a Srinagar-based courier service that'll dosame day delivery in the valley. For bulk orders. Can anyone help?" hetweeted on Monday.

Rath has so far distributed several thousand books. Askedabout who funds the initiative, the officer said he has to respect the privacyof those contributing to the cause.

"There are some people who are providing the books butwant to remain anonymous. So we have to respect their wishes," he said.Somepeople have criticised Rath for being too 'pro-Kashmir' while ignoring Jammuregion in his social work but he chooses not to respond to these allegations."Iwould rather spend my energies on positive efforts that respond tonegativity," he said.

A local youth, who helps the officer sometimes at his bookstall at Sunday market, came to his defence saying there are already peopleassociated with Rath who are doing the same thing in the Jammu region.Askedabout his future plans, Rath said he will definitely start providing books thatwill help students in cracking GATE and UPSC examinations in near future.