Delhi Cracks Down on Illegal IAS Coaching Centers: Basements Sealed

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) recently took stringent action against several IAS coaching centers operating illegally in the basements of Old Rajinder Nagar. This move came after a tragic incident where sudden flooding led to the death of three students at one of these centers. The coaching centers were found to be violating building bye-laws by running commercial activities in the basements, which are not permitted under the current regulations.

On Sunday, a team from the MCD inspected numerous coaching institutes in the area. Following the inspection, they sealed those found guilty of these violations. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi emphasized that this action was crucial after the unfortunate event at Rau’s IAS Study Circle. The Mayor announced that this enforcement might extend to other parts of Delhi if necessary, as the civic body aims to ensure that all educational institutions adhere to safety regulations.

Mayor Oberoi has also instructed the MCD Commissioner to take strict action against all coaching centers across Delhi under the corporation’s jurisdiction. The focus will be on those running illegal commercial activities in basements, as these pose significant risks, including inadequate fire safety measures and lack of proper drainage systems.

An immediate inquiry has been launched to determine if any MCD officials were negligent in allowing these violations to occur. The Mayor has assured that the strongest possible actions will be taken against any officials found guilty of misconduct or negligence in enforcing building norms.

The MCD’s failure to enforce proper building norms and safety measures has been criticized, especially in light of this tragic incident. Activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest outside the Mayor’s residence, demanding accountability and stricter enforcement of the rules.

This crackdown follows a previous incident in Mukherjee Nagar last year, where a massive fire at an IAS coaching institute led to a similar outcry for stricter regulations. Despite a survey identifying multiple coaching centers violating building rules, enforcement actions were reportedly halted midway.

In May, the Delhi High Court directed the MCD and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to shut down coaching centers operating in violation of fire safety norms. The recent incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle, where three civil service aspirants lost their lives due to a flooded basement, underscores the urgent need for strict adherence to these regulations. The initial investigation revealed that the coaching center lacked proper drainage and did not have the necessary permissions to operate a library in the basement.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of enforcing building codes and safety standards, particularly in educational institutions. The MCD’s ongoing efforts to seal illegal coaching centers aim to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure a safer learning environment for all students.