MSU’s C C Mehta auditorium in a state of utter neglect

Vadodara: M S University’s oldest and one of the biggest auditorium – the C C Mehta auditorium – is in a state of neglect. The air-conditioning system and the sound system of the auditorium are dysfunctional for quite some time.
The auditorium remains in high demand for programmes organized by those within the university as well as those from outside the university. The university charges Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 from the organizers for using the auditorium for conducting programmes/ events.
Sources said that even as the condition of the dysfunctional air-conditioning and sound system have been brought to the notice of the authorities, little attention is being paid to its repair works.
Earlier, the auditorium had remained dysfunctional for nearly a year as it was undergoing repairs.
In October last, the auditorium was re-started. But with the onset of summer this year, the officials realised that the air-conditioning system wasn’t working efficiently after which air-coolers were used whenever there were on-stage performances or programmes that were held inside the auditorium.
“Since the sound system too is not functioning properly, those who book the auditorium, have to arrange for their own sound systems to organise their programmes,” said a source close to the development, adding that the committee which looks after the auditorium’s maintenance too has written a missive to the university administration regarding the urgent need to fix the issues.
Ironically, in the last one year, the university officials have not even appointed any teacher as co-ordinator of the auditorium. “It was the auditorium coordinator who looks after day-to-day maintenance and upkeep issues,” said a teacher.
It is worth mentioning here that in the normal course, the auditorium gets booked for 30-40 programmes in a month whereas, in summer months, the number of such programmes/ events even reaches 60.