Good facilities, peaceful ambience make pay-and-use studying spaces attractive for students

Srinagar, Feb 1: A new kind of ventures are quietly reshaping Kashmir’s academic landscape, pay-and-use reading rooms and commercial study halls are mushrooming across residential colonies, market areas and coaching hubs, catering to students.

From crowded localities in Srinagar to other towns, these privately run spaces, advertised as “premium study zones” or “24×7 reading lounges” offer cubicles, Wi-Fi, power backup, lockers and central heating for monthly fees ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000.

For many aspirants preparing for competitive examinations, the cost is justified.

“At home there are too many distractions and power cuts,” said Nargis Mushtaq a postgraduate student enrolled in a paid reading hall in Kupwara. “Here you pay, but you get calm ambience, and good facilities. That matters when exams are close” she added.

Operators say demand has surged over the past two years, particularly during winter and peak recruitment seasons. Several facilities run on membership models, issuing ID cards and limiting entry to maintain strict quiet zones.

“When we first started, we only had 80 seats. But due to the positive response from students and strong cooperation from parents, we had to open a second library. Today, we have more than 180 students enrolled,” said Sheikh Zahid ul Islam, owner of a commercial reading hall in Kupwara. Some halls operate round the clock, attracting candidates who juggle part-time jobs or online classes during the day. Students cite rising coaching fees, patchy internet at home and cramped living conditions as reasons for opting for paid spaces over free libraries.

With government recruitment tests and university entrances drawing thousands of applicants every year, aspirants say structured environments have become essential.

“Online preparation works only if you have a stable connection and less disturbance at home,” said Sheeraz Shafi, a Kashmir University student preparing for competitive exams. “Here, even at midnight, there is electricity and Wi-Fi.”  While the growth has created small business opportunities for entrepreneurs, educationists and parents have raised concerns about affordability.

“These spaces are useful, but we must ask who gets left out,” said  Burhan Satho, a law student . “Public libraries need strengthening so that students from weaker backgrounds are not forced into paid options,” Satho added.  While expansion of commercial reading rooms is being hailed as a welcome move, issues such as safety standards, fire department clearances and transparent fee structure are also being highlighted. Dr Aadil Bakhshi, a teacher at University of Kashmir says while the online education system has provided more convenience and reach, pay-and-use spaces are attracting students in large numbers.

By: Tawheed Qadir