HPU students struggle with freezing temperatures as library facilities remain inadequate
As semester exams approach, students at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) find themselves battling not just academic stress but also freezing cold in the Central Library’s reading rooms. The non-functional central heating system, which has been awaiting completion since a grant of ₹6.21 lakh was sanctioned in 2021, has left students shivering during late-night study sessions.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), HPU unit, has stepped in to demand action. On Saturday, the SFI delegation met with the Deputy Librarian and submitted a memorandum urging the university to address the issue urgently. Despite the boiler room being completed months ago, delays in installation have stalled the system’s activation, worsening conditions for students, especially as the library becomes a hub for exam preparation in November’s biting cold.
Adding to their woes, students have flagged other persistent problems in the library. SFI highlighted the unhygienic state of the toilets and poorly maintained drinking water facilities. These grievances are not new—earlier this year, SFI protested by removing a dysfunctional water purifier, prompting the administration to act only under pressure.
The memorandum also called for the general section of the library to remain open 24/7, citing the growing number of students who rely on the library for late-night study sessions. SFI argued that extending library hours would significantly benefit those gearing up for exams.
Warning of escalated protests if their demands are ignored, SFI criticized the administration’s “indifferent attitude” toward basic student needs. The students’ union stressed the importance of adhering to international standards for library management, urging immediate prioritization of heating, sanitation, and drinking water facilities.
With exams just around the corner, the pressure mounts on HPU authorities to resolve these issues swiftly and ensure a conducive environment for students.
