Shimla, May 29
The Students Federation of India (SFI), Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) Campus Unit, has demanded the immediate withdrawal of a recent notification discontinuing the low-cost printing facility in the university library, terming the move anti-student and financially burdensome.
An SFI delegation met the library in-charge on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum expressing strong opposition to the decision. The student body argued that the facility has been an essential academic support service for years and is widely used by students for printing assignments, research papers, dissertations, seminar reports, journals, examination forms, admit cards and other important documents.
SFI Campus Joint Secretary Kishore Kumar said the decision comes at a time when students are already grappling with increased examination fees, hostel charges, revaluation fees, repair fees and other expenses. He alleged that discontinuing the affordable printing service would impose an additional financial burden, particularly on students from economically weaker, rural, working-class and middle-class backgrounds.
According to SFI, the closure of the facility will force students to depend on private printing shops outside the university campus, where charges are significantly higher. The organisation maintained that access to affordable academic resources is crucial for ensuring equitable educational opportunities.
SFI Vice President Ashish said the university library is not merely a repository of books but a vital institution that caters to the academic needs of thousands of students.
He questioned the administration’s commitment to student welfare, stating that limiting such facilities contradicts the objective of making education accessible and affordable.
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The student organisation has urged the library administration to restore the low-cost printing facility and consult student representatives before implementing decisions that directly affect students.
SFI also warned of intensifying its democratic agitation if the issue is not resolved promptly.
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