Pune: Colourful boards announcing numerous ‘ abhyasikas ' or reading centres for students can never go unnoticed during a walk through Pune's old city areas. However, a closer look conveys a grim reality — most of the study spaces are housed in crumbling old buildings with poor sanitation, overcrowded rooms and barely enough space for students to juggle their books on common tables. Some centres are tucked away in basements.
Despite a sharp increase in fees over the years, facilities in most ‘abhyasikas' have barely improved. The conditions become unbearable in the scorching summer months and add to the woes of students. President of Competitive Exams Students Association Mahesh Gharbude told TOI that last year, he had sent two letters to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
He had urged them to conduct a safety audit of the centres, where thousands of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants gather to prepare for their future. "PMC has taken no action till now. They only have knee-jerk reactions to a tragedy after it happens, instead of taking proactive measures," said Gharbude.
He pointed out several issues plaguing ‘abhyasikas' that serve MPSC aspirants . "Washrooms are in terrible conditions and water shortage worsens the situation during summers. Libraries in basements don't even have proper ventilation, making students feel suffocated.
" The centres charge from Rs800 to 3,000 per person per month. "Even the expensive centres don't have required app.