Cuttack's Biswanath Pandit Central Library struggles to get a permanent building

Cuttack's Biswanath Pandit Central Library, once a reliable institution for aspirants of various recruitment-based examinations and general readers, has been struggling since the construction of the Netaji Bus Terminal. 

The demolition of its original building has disrupted the academic environment, leaving readers without a proper space to study. Despite assurances, there is still no clarity on when a new building will be set up.

Currently, the library operates temporarily from the second floor of the bus terminal, but the atmosphere is far from ideal. The constant noise of buses and the lack of basic amenities like seating and drinking water make it difficult for readers to concentrate. 

Additionally, new restrictions have further fuelled discontent among users—the library is now open for only three hours per reader, and the validity of library identity cards has been reduced to two years.

Students Express Displeasure 

“As there are a lesser number of seats, the library authorities have introduced a slot system in which students are allowed to study for only three hours. They are also not renewing the cards” alleged a student.

Echoing the same, another student said, “There are no proper space and sitting arrangements. There is not even drinking water supply. The new library building is yet to come up.

Students and book lovers have repeatedly appealed to the authorities, even submitting complaints to the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Commissioner, who assured them that a permanent library building is under construction at the old Angul Bus Stand and its work will be completed soon. 

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CMC Responds

“The construction of a permanent building for the Biswanath Pandit Central Library is underway. Around 2000-3000 students can read together in the new building. It is observed that many students come to the library at 8 am and occupy their seats till 8 pm. So the slot system was introduced to facilitate other students to access the library,” said CMC Commissioner Anam Charan Patra.