JNU cites space crunch to relocate CHS library; Teachers association demands decision rollback
Last week, following an appeal by students of the CHS against the JNU administration's decision to relocate the CHS Library, several academics, historians and former teachers urged the university to reverse its decision.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has defended its decision to relocate the Centre for Historical Studies (CHS) library stating that there is ‘heavy pressure for space’ on the campus as new programmes are being introduced.
Issuing a notice, the JNU administration has stated that the university requires modern infrastructure and massive campus upgrading to meet its expanding academic functions, disciplines, and programmes. Until then, better management and optimal utilization of available space are critical for the growth of the University.
The notice reads: “A university-wide space audit is currently underway to optimize the existing infrastructure.”
The University is also in conversation with several Central agencies and state governments such as Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odissa, Tamil Nadu and others in promoting various Indian languages and establishing a School of Indian Languages and Civilization. The administration is tirelessly working for a better, more efficient and effective management of knowledge resources, including easy access to books, journals, materials and databases for the benefit of the entire JNU community.
“There is heavy pressure for space as many new programmes are being introduced and new faculty members have joined. The concerned faculty and students are requested to cooperate in this regard,” reads the circular.
Last week, following an appeal by students of the CHS against the JNU administration's decision to relocate the CHS Library, several academics, historians and former teachers urged the university to reverse its decision.
The JNU Teachers Association has also come out in support of CHS students, expressing its concern at the reports that the Library of the Centre for Historical Studies (CHS) is being moved into the EXIM Bank Library building in order to vacate its existing premises for the new Special Centre for Tamil Studies.
JNUTA has stated that the University has also received special funds from the Government of Tamil Nadu for the setting up of the Special Centre for Tamil Studies. There is therefore no reason for this Centre to be sanctioned for the space and infrastructure created and still in use for other purposes. Indeed, such a change in their use would also be in violation of the terms of the financial sanctions through which the two libraries were created.
The JNUTA has demanded immediate cessation of any process of shifting the CHS Library to the premises of the EXIM Bank Library. The two libraries and the new Special Centre do not have a competitive relationship with each other and there is no reason — financial, legal or academic - for prioritizing one or the other.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.