Following protests by the activists of All India Students Association (AISA) on Thursday, the Lucknow University authorities have decided to extend the timings of the Tagore Library.
Now the library will remain open for two extra hours. As such, the new timings of the library will be from 8am to 7pm while earlier it was from 9am to 6pm, said proctor Rakesh Dwivedi.
The activists were demanding to open the library 24×7 for students. But the University has decided to extend the timings by two hours only.
Earlier AISA had also submitted a memorandum to the LU vice chancellor highlighting the issues being faced by students at the library. However, no action was taken. This led to the initiation of a massive signature drive by AISA.
Putting forth their demands, the activists stated when the students at universities like BHU, BBAU and others can have 24x7 access to libraries, the Tagore Library remains opened for a very limited period. They also drew the attention of the authorities towards the lack of proper water purifiers for students here.
AISA activists alleged that students have repeatedly complained about the poor internet connectivity at the cyber library and they had also raised the issue of poor upkeep of toilets.
Taking cognizance of the protest led by AISA, the University administration resolved some of their demands.
{{/usCountry}}Taking cognizance of the protest led by AISA, the University administration resolved some of their demands.
{{/usCountry}}The proctor said that he has written to officials regarding the water purifiers and RO for the library. The washrooms would be regularly cleaned, and hygiene would be maintained. The proctorial board, on the issue of fixing the xerox price to 0.50 paise per copy, said they would discuss this in the meeting and try to resolve the price issue. The internet connectivity in cyber library will be improved in a couple of days.
AISA leader Sukirti said, “Many students have classes in the morning and noon and so it is not possible for them to access the library during this time.”
AISA student activist Aman said, “We have one of the biggest public libraries in the city but still we can’t utilize it due to its timing. Each student on the campus pays library fees but cannot utilize the facility properly. The casual approach of the administration towards such an important issue shows its lack of interest in students’ welfare.”
Likewise, AISA Lucknow vice president Nikhil said, “The library timings have been a major concern for students. The students go to private libraries and pay huge fees. What is the use of spending crores of rupees on books by the University if we are denied access to it. We will continue this protest unless all our demands are met.”
Meanwhile, NSUI has also raised the issues being faced by students.
NSUI city president Prince Prakash says that the library timings in all other universities is at least 12 hours whereas in Lucknow University it is only for 8 to 9 hours.