The recent decision of Ranchi University (RU) officials after Governor Droupadi Murmu’s recommendation to keep the university central library at Morabadi campus open for 24x7 has faced initial hiccups as the RU officials are not yet ready to provide the basic safety measures there.
RU VC Dr RK Pandey had also recently announced to keep the central library operational for 24 hours as per the directives received from the university Chancellor.
The Vice-Chancellor, few months back had also assured the post graduate students union (PGSU) of the university that the library would start operating round the clock from March 2017 with all essential facilities.
“looking at the students’ demand, the library would be made functional in some time. However, the announcement made recently is yet to be notified and the dates are yet to be confirmed. Most particularly, we have to ensure all security aspects before making the library fully functional,” said RU Dean, Student Welfare, Dr. SC Gupta.
“The university officials are brainstorming over several aspects and have written to the district administration for additional security forces. Nothing has been finalised on this issue. So far, the university has been able to deck up the surroundings with two high-mast lights only,” added Gupta.
The central library and e- learning centre are the prime sources for thousands of students to access free of cost study materials and a place for all those aspirants who are gearing up to take some or the other competitive examinations.
The officials of RU, at present, have proposed for deputation of a librarian and an assistant librarian on ad-hoc basis who would serve in shift every day.
All renovation work will be completed and additional latest books will also be added to central library shelves before the NAAC inspection team is conducted later this month.
Meanwhile, President of PGSU, Tanuj Khatri, said, “The students have been demanding a library that will remain open for 24 hours for a very long time and finally authorities too gave a green signal to this idea. Student unions have drafted out a proposal to boost up security measures here. Recently, we met the City SP to get assistance on this and the latter too assured us all support.”
Notably, the RU central library currently has more than 90,000 textbooks, some reference books and as many as 350 PhD theses. It also has broadband internet connection and remains open for college goers from 7am to 9pm.