JU’s Central Library lacks basic facilities, books

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 20

The Dhanvantri (Central) Library of the University of Jammu (JU), which caters for a number of students of the varsity for preparing not only for academic examination, but also competitive examination, lacks basic facilities.

The students who have taken membership of the library claimed that despite charging Rs 450 per month, the library has little to offer to them, be it the facilities or availability of books. “We are being charged Rs 450 per month for library by the varsity authorities, but what facilities are we getting in return — broken chairs, non-functional fans, humid conditions, dirty washrooms, lack of proper drinking water,” said Aditya, a student preparing for competitive examination.

“Kashmir University is charging Rs 500 from students for three months and it is fully air-conditioned, well-maintained and having books of every subject. As compared to JU, facilities at other varsities across the country, including Kashmir University, are much better. The students, too, are thoroughly enjoying while studying during examination or preparing for different competitive examinations,” he claimed.

“Leave aside facilities, even the books of different subjects which we require are not available and that too when we require the most during preparations for academic or competitive exams. In fact, there is no criterion fixed for getting membership of the library. Even if you reach around 10 am in the morning or anytime it is jam-packed,” said Ritesh, a student.

“Another important issue is the establishment of examination centre on the library premises, which is intolerable because there is so much noise that it is almost impossible to focus on studies. It is better if the varsity authorities shift this centre and use that space to accommodate more students,” said Avnish.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Dr Vivek Gupta, in charge Librarian, said the university would try its level best to provide all facilities to its students.

When asked about the examination centre established on the library premises, Dr Vivek said, “This important issue of students will also be sorted out soon for their convenience.”