A major accident was narrowly averted at the Central Library of Rajasthan University in Jaipur on Wednesday when a section of the ceiling in the research hall collapsed while students were busy preparing for their examinations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as several students had stepped out for lunch just moments before the incident occurred.
Students Escape Unhurt
According to eyewitness accounts, around 20 to 25 students were seated in the area where the ceiling gave way. Students noted that the individual sitting directly beneath the damaged portion had left for lunch shortly before the collapse, thereby escaping injury by a whisker. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety infrastructure within the university premises.
Warning Signs Ignored
Students alleged that warning signs had been visible for several days. Nikita Bajiya, who was present in the library during the incident, stated, "Water had been leaking from the ceiling for nearly 10 to 12 days, and small pieces of plaster had frequently fallen due to seepage." Despite these clear indicators, the administration failed to take preventive action, leading to the collapse.
Protest and Allegations
The collapse sparked immediate concern among students, as the library has been witnessing heavy footfall due to ongoing examinations. A group of students gathered outside the library and staged a protest, accusing the university administration of gross negligence. They also questioned the quality of renovation work reportedly carried out at the library a few months ago. Law student Shubham Agarwal remarked, "The walls and ceilings had recently been painted, but no proper structural inspection had been conducted for a long time."
Administration Responds
Chief Proctor Prof. R.A. Sharma arrived at the scene and assured the agitated students that their concerns would be addressed promptly. However, ABVP student representative Bharat Bhushan expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "The administration had failed to ensure student safety despite repeated complaints. A major tragedy could have occurred had students been sitting there at the time of the collapse."
Previous Protests
Notably, just a day earlier on Tuesday, students had also protested at the library over the lack of cold drinking water facilities. The recurring issues highlight a pattern of inadequate maintenance and oversight by the university authorities.
