Patna, Nov. 26: English honours second-year student Devyani Singh is waiting to pick up her first book from the Patna University Central Library. Her wait will continue for some time, because the library has been shut from July last year for renovation, and the work has come to a halt post-demonetisation.

The agency carrying out the renovation work does not have cash to pay to the workers.

"In my first year, I borrowed some notes from my seniors but I don't think that was sufficient," said Devyani. "I asked the librarian when the library will start functioning again. He told me we will get access to books by November-end. But now they are not sure."

The Bihar State Educational Infrastructure Development Corporation (BSEIDC) is renovating the library, which has around 1,75,000 books, at an estimated cost of Rs 2.27 crore.

"Almost 80 per cent of the work has been done," said S.R. Padmadev, the library in-charge of the library. "We were hoping that it will be completed by the end of November. Unfortunately, workers stopped work after demonetisation. I asked the corporation why the work has been stopped. They claimed that they do not have money to continue the renovation work."

If the work does not restart in a couple of days, Padmadev said, he will write to the education department.

"Every day, students ask me when the library will be functional," he added. "Only the flooring and adjustment of the air-conditioning is pending. The government should look into this matter as it is hampering the education of the students."

BSEIDC managing director Sanjeevan Sinha said he was not aware of the work being stopped. "I will talk to the site engineer and make sure that renovation work resumes and workers get paid," he added.

Sachin Dayal, the site engineer, said the agency does not have enough cash to pay the workers.

"We are busy in depositing and withdrawing money after demonetisation," he said. "There are 200 workers, who have been assigned renovation work in the library, the hostel and the science department. We pay Rs 400 to each worker as daily wage. Right now, we do not have enough money to pay them.

"The renovation work at the library will be resumed in a week and I am hopeful it will be completed before Christmas," he added.

Amir Abbas, a first-year history honours student at the university, said: "It is very frustrating that we are not allowed to get books from the library. Some books are too expensive to buy while others are not available in the market. I don't have enough notes for the first-year exam (scheduled in May)."