India, June 16 -- Despite a government directive mandating 24x7 operation of district library reading halls, aspirants preparing for competitive exams in Gurugram allege that the district library continues to shut its doors by 7pm, denying them crucial study time. The library administration, however, maintains that it is operating in line with state orders and has already extended working hours within its staffing limitations.

The standoff came to a head on Thursday, when dozens of students submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar, urging intervention. They said the library is their only affordable space for focused preparation, and restrictions are disrupting their study schedules.

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