Srinagar: Kashmir University, Dargah Hazratbal, on Thursday announced the resumption of 24×7 reading room facilities for the varsity students from next week, after a break of almost three years.
The reading room facility at the highest seat of learning in Valley was suspended in the first week of August 2019, amid reading down of special status of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The varsity remained closed due to successive pandemic triggered lockdowns however once it resumed for offline mode of classes, the students were still barred from availing the reading room facilities. “Despite frequent representations and persuasions, we were however not allowed to avail the facility until now”, a group of students said.
“We had recently approached the newly-appointed Vice Chancellor Prof Neelofar Khan and Chief Librarian ‘Allama Iqbal Library’ Prof Peerzada Irshad Ahmad Shah regarding the matter who had assured us of all possible help” they said adding to our utter surprise and excitement we received the news about the resumption of the facility from next week, today.
“In the interest of bonafide students, the Allama Iqbal Library has opened 24×7 Library Facilities round the clock from 14-07-2022”, reads a varsity notice.
The students have in the meantime hailed the incumbent VC Prof Neelofar Khan and Chief Librarian ‘Allama Iqbal Library’ Prof Peerzada Irshad Ahmad Shah for letting them avail the facility.
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Neelofar khan and Chief librarian Allama Iqbal library Prof. Peerzada Irshad Ahmad shah for allowing students to avail 24×7 library facility,” they said adding we had been waiting for this day for almost three years now.
“This facility has an essential role in keeping our research scholars, students, and the whole community engaged with reading habit”, a Research Scholar Zahid Ahmad Khan remarked.
When contacted, Chief Librarian ‘Allama Iqbal Library’ Prof Peerzada Irshad Ahmad Shah told GNS that he was directed by the VC and Registrar to resume the services for bonafide students.
“The Honourable Vice Chancellor and the respected Registrar during their visit to Allama Iqbal Library directed me to restart the 24×7 facility for bonafide students and scholars”, he said adding “I am delighted to follow the directions of the worthy Vice Chancellor to open the facility for our students and scholars.” (GNS)