On Monday, the Rajasthan High Court sounded a stern warning to the state government in the aftermath of a tragic fire at SMS Hospital’s ICU, which claimed eight lives, emphasising broader concerns over public building safety.
The incident at the SMS Trauma Center, a facility expected to comply with modern safety standards, prompted the Division Bench of Justice Mahendra Kumar Goyal and Justice Ashok Kumar Jain to examine the structural and safety vulnerabilities across government institutions. While hearing a separate matter concerning the July collapse of a government school building in Jhalawar, which resulted in seven student deaths, the bench remarked: "What is happening to govt buildings? Some are collapsing, others are catching fire (Kahin aag lag rahi hai, kahin building gir rahi hai)."
The Court directed the state to submit a comprehensive safety roadmap for all public buildings, with special emphasis on schools, by October 9. The Court indicated that failure to comply could result in summoning the chief secretary to answer for lapses in administrative oversight and accountability.
Advocate General Rajendra Prasad informed the Court that immediate measures have been initiated to relocate students from unsafe school premises and that funds have been earmarked for necessary repairs and reconstruction. He added, "The court has asked a few more things, so we sought some time. The court has granted us time and asked to present the roadmap by Oct 9."
In addition, the Court has requested a detailed breakdown of the budget allocated for school infrastructure both prior to and following the Jhalawar tragedy, along with a timeline for completing all necessary remedial works.
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