New Delhi: A tragic incident occurred at a coaching centre in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar, where three students lost their lives in the basement of the facility. The accident has sparked widespread protests among students in various parts of the city. In response, authorities have closed several coaching centres and libraries, particularly those operating from basements, to ensure safety. among the affected institutions is the renowned Drishti IAS, led by founder and educator Vikas Divyakirti.
Following the incident, Vikas Divyakirti issued a press release expressing his condolences and outlining the steps his organisation takes to ensure student safety. He began by acknowledging the delay in responding, stating, “We regret that we are delaying our submission on the tragic incident in Rajendra Nagar. We did not want to say anything on the basis of incomplete information. We apologise for the delay.”
Divyakirti expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life, saying, “We express our deepest condolences to the unfortunate incident that took place on 27th July in which three students lost their lives. We pay our tributes to the three children and pray that their families find strength to cope with this loss.”
Key points from his statement include:
1. Support for Affected Families: Divyakirti noted that while his team has not directly contacted the families, they are fully supportive and willing to assist in any way possible during this difficult time.
2. Justified Student Anger: He acknowledged the anger among students as justified and stressed the need for this frustration to be directed towards constructive solutions. He called for the implementation of clear guidelines for coaching institutes and expressed Drishti IAS’s willingness to cooperate with the government in this regard.
3. Complex Regulatory Environment: Highlighting the complexities surrounding coaching centres, Divyakirti pointed to inconsistencies in regulations across various agencies, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Delhi Fire Department. He expressed hope that a committee appointed by the Union Home Ministry would provide solutions to these issues within a month.
4. Commitment to Safety: Divyakirti assured that Drishti IAS is vigilant about student safety. The organisation employs a dedicated ‘fire and safety officer’ and conducts regular safety audits. He detailed safety measures, including multiple exit routes at each centre and regular updates on safety protocols.
5. Support for Government Action: He welcomed recent actions taken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and suggested that the government should designate specific areas in the city for coaching centres. This would include building classrooms, libraries, and hostels to mitigate issues related to high rents and safety concerns.
6. Further Communication: Drishti IAS plans to release a detailed article and video to explain the complexities of the situation. Divyakirti concluded with an apology for any shortcomings from his team, whether intentional or not.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety standards in educational facilities, particularly those operating in basements. The government’s response and future regulatory changes will be crucial in preventing such tragedies and ensuring the safety of students across Delhi.
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