Coaching Centres Running From Basements: 4 States Order Crackdown

New Delhi: The terrible tragedy which claimed the lives of 3 civil service aspirants at an IAS coaching centre in the national Capital last week has set states thinking.

The entire country was in shock after the three students drowned in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle coaching institute centre, located in Old Rajinder Nagar area, amid heavy rain.

Authorities in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and UP have ordered a survey of buildings which house coaching institutions and launched a crackdown on facilities like libraries operating from basements.

The Kota administration has ordered the closure of 13 libraries located in basements. Owners have been warned that violation of the order will lead to sealing of their premises.

Civic body authorities conducted inspections of libraries in Jawahar Nagar District Centre, Landmark City, Coral Park and Rajiv Gandhi Nagar on Monday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav instructed officials to survey coaching institutes operating from basements and enforce stringent safety measures.

All municipal commissioners have been directed to inspect coaching centres and other institutions, including lodging facilities, operating from basements, and submit a report as soon as possible.

A thorough review of drainage systems and electrical safety arrangements has also been ordered to prevent a Delhi-like tragedy. A preliminary probe hinted that the drainage system in the area was heavily clogged with silt.

In Patna, the district magistrate Dr Chandrashekhar Singh has ordered a survey of all coaching institutes and sought a report within 15 days.

Six-member teams — headed by a sub-divisional officer and including a fire safety officer, city executive officer, zonal officer, block education officer and police station in-charge — have been formed for each district. They will look into registration status of the coaching institutes, compliance with safety standards, compliance with building bylaws, and fire exit arrangements to deal with emergency situations.

The Yogi Adityanath government has also issued strict directions to stop ‘illegal’ activities in basements.

The additional chief secretary issued an order which barred digging in basements during rains without approval.

“If any accident happens, then the concerned officers will be held accountable,” the order said.