Pune: SPPU Students Demand Reopening of Library, Extended Timings
Ganja Found in Pune University Hostel, Two Students Booked
Students of the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) have filed a formal complaint with the varsity, demanding the immediate reopening of the library within the Department of Foreign Languages at Ranade Institute. The students also urged the university to extend the library timings until 11 pm on all days.
The library, which is used by nearly 150 students, has been closed on weekends for several months due to the retirement of a staff member and the university’s failure to appoint a replacement. The library, run by Jaykar Library, offers various resources, including course books, reference materials, literature, newspapers, and periodicals, at a minimal fee, benefiting economically disadvantaged students from rural areas residing in hostels.
University administration officials stated that the process to appoint a librarian is underway, and the facility will reopen soon. However, students are growing impatient and have threatened to hold a protest with the help of student organizations if their demands are not met.
A library member and law student, said to the media, “We have made repeated representations to the vice-chancellor and other officials, but the library remains closed. We demand that the library timings be extended to 11 pm immediately.”
Another library member, added while speaking to the media person, “The current timings of 10:20 am to 6 pm are not suitable for us. We don’t understand why the university cannot provide us with the facility when other staff members, including earn and learn scheme students and guards, work till 11 pm to provide reading room facilities.”
