TGCHE Seeks Report On Fatal College Event
The Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) will issue a notice to MVSR Engineering College on Monday: Reports
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) will issue a notice to MVSR Engineering College on Monday, seeking a detailed report on the fatal accident during a Dandiya event, chairman Balakista Reddy said, as students staged protests on Sunday demanding accountability and stronger safety measures at educational institutions.
Calling the incident deeply distressing, Reddy said the council would examine the college’s report before deciding on further action. The accident has also prompted TGCHE to consider framing safety protocols for campus events, including requirements for temporary structures, emergency medical facilities and first aid.
“While police already have procedures for permissions, crowd management and emergency access at public events, educational institutions require a more specific framework given their responsibility for student safety. The proposed guidelines could cover structural safety, fire safety, emergency exits, medical facilities and arrangements for large gatherings,” Reddy told DC.
He described the incident as a sad “eye‑opener” that had prompted the council to consider appointing medical officers or strengthening first‑aid facilities at colleges throughout the year. “Medical preparedness had earlier been considered mainly during examinations and summer, but the council is now examining whether such requirements should be extended year‑round and incorporated into the registration process,” he said.
TGCHE has yet to announce the final provisions or timeline for the proposed guidelines. Reddy said action against the college would be considered after the council examines its report.
Students said the accident had left them shocked and anxious about safety on campus. One student, who had attended a hackathon earlier that day and left before the collapse, said, “Everyone is in total shock and sadness. Realising what happened just after I had left feels surreal and honestly scary. Everyone is shaken up, and there is a lot of fear and anxiety around event setups.”
The student said the college management had not sent any official communication to student or parent WhatsApp groups about the incident or planned safety measures. “They may have contacted the victims and their families privately, but we do not know for sure,” the student said.
With the Dasara vacation under way, students were uncertain about what would happen when the college reopened. “There is no clarity on whether classes or campus activities will continue as usual or be adjusted. The fact that we don’t have to go to college tomorrow gives them time to figure things out,” another student said.
Students demanded action by the management, including mandatory safety audits before stages, lighting equipment and other structures were installed. They also called for heavy structures to be avoided wherever possible and for ambulances and paramedics to be kept on standby at every campus event.