Ranchi Students Stage Protest Over Inadequate Facilities at SAJHA Central Library
Competitive examination aspirants in Ranchi have voiced strong concerns regarding the lack of essential amenities at the Sports Authority of Jharkhand (SAJHA) central library. Located at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morhabadi, the facility has been criticized for failing to provide basic services such as drinking water, reliable Wi-Fi, and necessary reading materials.
Student Grievances and Protest Action
On Friday, a group of students staged a protest in front of the library building, highlighting the persistent issues that have hampered their preparation efforts. The aspirants, who are studying for various competitive exams including JPSC, SSC, banking, and railway recruitment tests, expressed frustration over the substandard conditions.
Amardeep, a PhD entrance exam candidate, emphasized the critical need for drinking water. "We come here to study, and the authorities should at least ensure we have access to drinking water. We are paying monthly fees for the facilities, yet such a basic necessity is missing," he stated.
Alok Kumar Thakur, a civil service aspirant, pointed out additional shortcomings. "The library lacks a functional Wi-Fi connection and relevant books that are essential for our exam preparation. This makes it extremely difficult to study effectively," he added.
Library Establishment and Official Response
The SAJHA central library was inaugurated in January 2024 through a collaboration between the Sports Authority of Jharkhand and the state tourism, art, culture, and youth affairs department. Its primary objective was to offer affordable research facilities and study areas for students in Ranchi.
However, librarian Prem Prakash refuted the students' claims, asserting that the library is equipped with adequate resources. "We have a 24x7 water facility and a Wi-Fi connection. Sometimes, the Wi-Fi may experience network issues, but it is incorrect to say it does not exist. Additionally, the library houses approximately 20,000 books to assist students in their exam preparation," he explained.
Impact on Exam Preparation
The absence of these fundamental facilities has significantly affected the students' ability to prepare for their competitive examinations. Key issues include:
- Lack of Drinking Water: Students are forced to bring their own water or go without, disrupting their study sessions.
- Unreliable Wi-Fi: Inconsistent internet connectivity hinders access to online resources and study materials.
- Insufficient Reading Materials: Despite the library's collection, students report a shortage of relevant books for specific exams.
The protest underscores the growing dissatisfaction among aspirants who rely on public libraries for their studies. As competitive exam preparation becomes increasingly demanding, the need for well-maintained and fully functional study spaces is more critical than ever.
