Students at Mumbai University’s Kalina campus protested on Friday over alleged failures in basic amenities at the Knowledge Resource Centre Library, citing unclean washrooms, a non-functional air conditioner, inadequate ventilation, unclean drinking water and closing hours they say do not suit postgraduate and research students.
The students said the library was opened only a few years ago but that several facilities promised at the outset were no longer functioning. They raised the concerns during a protest focused on the upkeep and usability of the facility.
According to the students, the washrooms remain unclean and the air-conditioning system is not working. They also alleged that the library does not have adequate ventilation and that the drinking water available on the premises is not clean.
Students also questioned the facility’s operating hours. The library closes at 10 pm each night, which one student told Mid-Day was unsuitable for master’s and research students who require additional time for academic work.
“We should not have to fight for basic facilities,” a student said on condition of anonymity, adding that high-speed Wi-Fi, ventilation and clean washrooms were necessary for students who had moved to Mumbai for higher education. The student said the university should provide a speedy solution.
Mumbai University said it has launched a student dialogue initiative to address academic and administrative issues quickly and transparently. The university said the initiative is focused on receiving student feedback and resolving their concerns.
