In a tragic incident that has sparked outrage among students and faculty,the Karnataka government has announced a compensation package of ₹10 lakh for the family of Manasa,a 23-year-old postgraduate student at Bangalore University. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made the announcement on Saturday,August 8,following the student's death from injuries sustained in a road accident on the university's Jnanabharathi campus.
Manasa, who was pursuing her first year in the Department of Visual Arts,was struck by a speeding autorickshaw on July 30 while crossing Gandhi Marg after completing her examination. The impact resulted in severe head injuries, leading to her hospitalization in the ICU of a private facility in Nagarabhavi. Despite medical efforts,she succumbed to her injuries on the morning of August 5.
The compensation will be sourced from two avenues: ₹3 lakh will be allocated from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, while remaining ₹7 lakh will be provided by the university itself. This financial support comes amid growing concerns regarding road safety on campus,which have been amplified by the circumstances surrounding Manasa's tragic death.
In the wake of this incident, significant gathering of students and faculty members took place,rallying under slogan ‘Justice for Manasa’. The demonstrators expressed their frustration with the university administration, accusing it of neglecting essential safety measures that could have prevented such accidents . Their calls for accountability highlight a broader issue of student safety on educational campuses.
The university has faced criticism for its failure to implement adequate traffic regulations and safety protocols, particularly in areas frequented by students. As the investigation into the accident continues, administration is under pressure to address these concerns and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Manasa's untimely death has not only left a void in her family but has also ignited a movement among her peers, demanding systemic changes to enhance safety on campus. The compensation package,while a step toward addressing the family's loss, raises questions about the responsibility of educational institutions in safeguarding their students.
