MJ Library increases fee by 1,100%
The AMC-managed library has 17,791 life members and moer than 4,000 annua l members. About 1,000 members visit the library daily
The Sheth Maneklal Jethabhai Pustakalay hiked its annual fees from Rs 200 to Rs 2,400 in an apparent bid to deter students that come to study at the library due to its moderate rates. Earlier, students had to pay just Rs 200 to use library services including space to study and read and issuance of books to be taken home and returned. The hike, that came into effect from April 1, includes Rs 1,200 for studying on the premises and Rs 1,200 for issuance of books.
The steep hike is likely to deal a crushing blow to students, mostly from middle and lower-middle class who cannot afford fees of expensive libraries. The hike is completely opposed to state government’s initiative Vanche Gujarat, to encourage Gujaratis to read.
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What baffles the members is that even life members, more than 17,000 of them who have paid a one-time fee for using its services for life, have been told to pay Rs 1,200 if they want to use library space for reading or studying. Darshan Maseria (28), a student, said, “We paid for life membership so we would not have to pay such fees. There are many who have reached the top by studying here. It is clear that hike in fees are meant to stop poor students from coming here.”
Besides, members claim that while MJ Library spent Rs 2.5 crore for renovations recently, there are no facilities for students. Students submitted a memorandum to the mayor. Student Sonal Chavda (23) said, “Toilets at the library are unclean and in bad shape. We have requested the management to instal a machine for sanitary pads in womens' toilet on various occasions but they have been ignored. There are no fans. The hike is to stop outspoken members like me who demand adequate services."
Leader of the Opposition in AMC Dinesh Sharma said, "This is a public library and there cannot be any fees for reading here. The charges for issuance of books should be nominal. A hike of Rs 1,000 is unreasonable.”
Mayor Bijal Patel said, “I have received a memorandum from MJ Library students. We will discuss their problem and take a decision.”
Librarian Bipin Modi said, “Even life members will have to pay if they want to read at the library. We are a public library but the huge rush of students has forced us to hike the fee. We have all facilities at the library but students are citing problems because of the fee hike.”
The steep hike is likely to deal a crushing blow to students, mostly from middle and lower-middle class who cannot afford fees of expensive libraries. The hike is completely opposed to state government’s initiative Vanche Gujarat, to encourage Gujaratis to read.
Read Also:
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What baffles the members is that even life members, more than 17,000 of them who have paid a one-time fee for using its services for life, have been told to pay Rs 1,200 if they want to use library space for reading or studying. Darshan Maseria (28), a student, said, “We paid for life membership so we would not have to pay such fees. There are many who have reached the top by studying here. It is clear that hike in fees are meant to stop poor students from coming here.”
Besides, members claim that while MJ Library spent Rs 2.5 crore for renovations recently, there are no facilities for students. Students submitted a memorandum to the mayor. Student Sonal Chavda (23) said, “Toilets at the library are unclean and in bad shape. We have requested the management to instal a machine for sanitary pads in womens' toilet on various occasions but they have been ignored. There are no fans. The hike is to stop outspoken members like me who demand adequate services."
Leader of the Opposition in AMC Dinesh Sharma said, "This is a public library and there cannot be any fees for reading here. The charges for issuance of books should be nominal. A hike of Rs 1,000 is unreasonable.”
Mayor Bijal Patel said, “I have received a memorandum from MJ Library students. We will discuss their problem and take a decision.”
Librarian Bipin Modi said, “Even life members will have to pay if they want to read at the library. We are a public library but the huge rush of students has forced us to hike the fee. We have all facilities at the library but students are citing problems because of the fee hike.”
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