New Delhi: In response to a tragic accident at a coaching centre in Delhi, which led to the death of three civil services aspirants, Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has formed a committee to regulate coaching centres in the city. The committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will focus on creating a safe and conducive environment for students.
The decision comes after water entered the basement of a coaching centre in Rajendra Nagar, resulting in the fatalities. The committee’s mandate includes addressing issues such as exorbitant rents, tax evasion through mandatory cash transactions, and ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
According to a statement from Raj Niwas, the committee will include representatives from coaching institutes, students, and relevant departmental officials. The aim is to comprehensively tackle problems related to regulation, fire evacuation, drainage maintenance, and other immediate student needs. This initiative seeks to establish a secure educational environment that meets all necessary standards.
The committee will also develop a long-term and short-term action plan to gradually relocate coaching institutes to designated areas. The Chief Secretary is tasked with collaborating with the Education Minister to formulate guidelines and a regulatory framework for these institutes, aligning with national standards.
As part of this initiative, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Vice-Chairman will organize site visits for coaching institute representatives to identified locations in Narela and Rohini. The goal is to establish an educational hub that can accommodate all coaching centres, providing a safer and more organized setting.
In the immediate term, coaching centres operating libraries or teaching facilities in basements will be sealed. Larger institutions are expected to offer alternative spaces, such as reading rooms, on other floors to assist affected students. The Federation of Coaching Institutes has also agreed to provide appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased students and waive fees for the current academic session for those affected by the incident.
To ensure transparency and effective oversight, the LG has directed the creation of a portal with Aadhaar-based login credentials for all coaching institutes and enrolled students. This database will aid the government in shaping future policies.
Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will establish an online application process for fire clearance for coaching institutes, addressing existing ambiguities in the regulatory framework. The MCD Commissioner plans to convene a meeting with the fire department to clarify the requirements for fire safety and building bylaws.
The Commissioner of Police has been instructed to implement sensitization programs for beat constables and local SHOs, ensuring they provide supportive and proactive assistance to students as needed.
This comprehensive approach aims to prevent future tragedies and improve the overall safety and quality of educational facilities in Delhi.
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