Delhi Acts on Safety, Seals 13 Illegal Coaching Centres After Aspirants' Deaths

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated measures against unauthorised coaching centres and will establish a high-level committee to investigate the flooding incident at a coaching institute's basement, which resulted in the deaths of three civil services aspirants, an official stated on Sunday.

A team from the civic body arrived in Old Rajinder Nagar to seal several illegally-operated basements of coaching centres, according to a statement by the Delhi government. By late Sunday night, around 13 such centres were sealed. These included IAS Gurukul, Chahal Academy, Plutus Academy, Sai Trading, IAS Setu, Toppers Academy, Dainik Samvad, Civils Daily IAS, Career Power, 99 Notes, Vidya Guru, Guidance IAS, and Easy for IAS.

Sealing of Coaching Centres

These coaching centres were found operating in basements against regulations and were sealed immediately with notices posted on-site. The Raus IAS Study Circle, where the incident occurred on Saturday, has also been sealed by the police.

Last year, the MCD conducted a survey of such coaching centres following a significant fire at an institute in Mukharjee Nagar, another coaching hub in north Delhi. This survey will initially be used to identify those violating norms, an official mentioned.

Incident Details and Safety Concerns

Three civil services aspirants—two females and one male—died after a library located in the basement of Raus IAS centre flooded during heavy rain on Saturday night. The flooding reportedly caused the failure of the single biometric entry and exit point.

An MCD official highlighted that gross criminal negligence was found on the part of the institute's owner in ensuring safety measures. The library was operating illegally in the basement with only one biometric-enabled entry and exit point that got locked due to flooding. "The students could have escaped had the exit been free," he said.

Encroachment Issues

The official also noted that storm drains in the area were covered by encroachers on street sides, contributing to the flooding. "The MCD only approves building plans. If someone misuses the basement for commercial activities after declaring it for parking or storage purposes, what else can the agency do to ensure protection?" he added.

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has convened a meeting with officials regarding this issue. Following discussions with the Delhi government, an announcement about setting up a high-level committee will be made soon, another official confirmed.

The MCD's actions aim to prevent further tragedies by ensuring compliance with safety regulations and addressing illegal operations within coaching centres across Delhi.