Reshma Ravishanker

The access cost of libraries and study centres housed on higher floors in UPSC coaching centres has gone up multifold following the closure of basement libraries in New Delhi, civil service aspirants rue.

Aspirants preparing for the UPSC (Civil services mains exam) which is scheduled around October are in a state of panic as they are denied access to libraries and study centres, where they would otherwise spend most of their time during the day.

Delhi’s Old Rajendra Nagar, Patel Nagar, Karol Bagh and Mukherjee Nagar are among the educational hubs that house coaching centres and student accommodations.

In the wake of the recent flooding of the basement in a coaching centre which claimed the lives of three students, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has ordered closure of atleast 20 such libraries in the city.

Deepak V, a student from Bihar who has relocated to Delhi to prepare for civil service exams says that libraries have become out of reach for most students who are now forced to retreat to the cramped rooms in their PG accommodations for study.  

“99% libraries are in the basement and 99% of our work happens there. In educational hubs, charges range between Rs. 2,000-3,000 per month.  If a student moves away from the hub by a 3-kilometer distance, the prices come down considerably. A library that would previously charge Rs 500-800 is charging Rs 3,000-4,000 now. Since the basements are closed, students have no option but to access the ones on ground or higher floors,” he explained.

Deepak is sad that the study environment has been disturbed by the incident. “Some of us prefer to study in groups. We were called up one fine day and asked to wind up from a place that we would always study at. There is no access to peer groups, no room for discussion or ambiance for study. We are all confined to our rooms now as not all can access libraries or study centre at such high costs.”

Aniruddh Dhoundiyal, another UPSC aspirant also said that there has been a multi-fold increase in library access prices. “Libraries and study centres are a thriving business here. It is no hidden secret that the basements have libraries. There are hoardings that advertise this fact and draw students. The police and government get their dues.

“Students are preparing for UPSC mains which is less than three months away now. This shut down of libraries has impacted students at a crucial time. Libraries that are allowed to function now have increased the rates multifold taking advantage of the situation,” he said.

Also read: Heavy rain paralyzes Delhi; 2 drown in Ghazipur, schools closed Thursday