Just turning the pages of history and highlighting the preferred attention given to spreading of education in Jammu and Kashmir by Dogra Rulers, it may be noted that a library was established in (the then vast state) by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1898 at Srinagar known as Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Library and was the second one after Maharaja Ranbir Singh had established the first Library in the State in 1879 at Jammu known as Shri Ranbir Singh (SRS) Library. However, not only to maintain and preserve these places of rich heritage especially when related to education and knowledge but providing all the required facilities to readers was imperative which the concerned authorities should fully ensure.
Having said that , it is not on expected lines that the SPS Library at Srinagar should have deficient facilities to this extent that students should be forced to air their grievances by staging protests. There is reportedly not sufficient space in reading rooms for students to read , there was no internet facility available , unhygienic conditions of the washrooms etc are some of the problems highlighted by the students. The air conditioners installed too were reported to be ”not functioning properly” though the climate of Srinagar is not dependent normally on ACs to cool down the room temperatures. However, that apart, we urge the UT authorities to pay their attention to resolve the problems faced by the students in the historically famous Shri Pratap Singh Library, at the earliest. It may be noted that a Library remains “alive” only when students, scholars, academicians and knowledge seekers keep it visiting regularly.
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