Government Urdu Library also on the path of 'Bihar Urdu Academy'?

Zia-ul-Hassan Hamidi
Patna: The Government Urdu Library, which is important for the promotion of Urdu language and literature and for students, researchers, writers and general readers of Urdu, has been without a permanent chairman for the last one year. Due to the non-appointment of the chairman, the administrative affairs of the library have started to question the decisions regarding the literary activities and the future of the institution. Urdu circles have demanded the state government to form a new management committee of the library without further delay and make it functional. Urdu circles say that the government Urdu library is not just a place to keep books, but it is an important institution for the promotion of Urdu language and literature, the promotion of studies and connecting the new generation with the knowledge and literary capital of Urdu. In such a case, the formal administrative structure of the institution is not completed for a long time, which is a cause of concern. In the absence of the chairman, the timely decisions and planning of many important issues of the library are being feared. The question of Urdu intellectuals, writers and social workers is that if the government is serious about the promotion of Urdu language and literature and making the government institutions active, then why is there so much delay in the formation of the management committee of the Government Urdu Library? One year is not a small period, during which many decisions can be made regarding the needs of the institution, supply of books, infrastructure of the library, facilities for readers and literary activities. Urdu circles say that running any government institution for a long time without permanent administrative leadership can affect its performance. If this situation continues, there is a risk of damage to the prestige of the library. The current situation of the Government Urdu Library has also created anxiety among the Urdu population. Circles associated with Urdu say that the situation of the Urdu Academy in the state is the same situation of the Government Urdu Library. In fact, the carelessness of the officials has also stood in the way of the reorganization of the committee.
The students preparing for BPSC, UPSC Banking and other competitive exams in the Government Urdu Library say that due to the absence of the committee, the educational activities are decreasing and the students are not getting the help they should get in their preparation. should be reviewed immediately and a new management committee should be formed without delay.
Students say that for the preparation of competitive exams, it is important to have the latest textbooks and reference books, magazines, employment related journals and other study materials available continuously, but the library is not paying enough attention to this aspect. Although there are some old and important books, there is a lack of proper arrangements for their maintenance and use.
Students say that if the library is provided with modern books, newspapers and magazines, proper study room, internet and other basic facilities, then a large number of youth can be benefited. At a time when the interest of the youth in competitive exams for government jobs is increasing, the function of an institution like the Government Urdu Library becomes more important. The question is that the library which should help the students with knowledge and preparation for the competitive exams, why they have to suffer even for basic study facilities?
Institutions like the Government Urdu Library can play an important role in inculcating the habit of reading in the new generation and preserving the intellectual heritage of Urdu. Now the question is, when will the post of chairman, which has been vacant for a year, be filled? Will the government take an immediate decision to reactivate and empower the Government Urdu Library, or will this institution also continue to lose its importance due to administrative inattention? There is also a growing concern among students that if timely attention is not given, the Government Urdu Library may gradually lose its functionality and importance.
According to reliable sources, there are more than 40 thousand books in Government Urdu Library, Patna. After the inauguration of the new building in 2025, its maintenance has not been done. We talked to many students and they clearly said that the absence of the chairman is affecting our education because the staff working here are not interested in our books.
It should be noted that the library was established in 1938 and it also has rare Urdu newspapers, ancient books and reference materials. The current in-charge has restored 4 people in the library from outsourcing, he is not familiar with the functions of the library, so how will he perform the work. The rehabilitated persons have no mastery in any art and they are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the books, monitoring the numbering books, this will further worsen the condition of the library.