Following the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants in Delhi, the local government is taking decisive action to regulate coaching institutes in the capital. This incident, which involved students drowning in a flooded basement, has prompted a swift response from the Delhi government, including the sealing of basements in 30 coaching centers and issuing notices to 200 others for safety violations.
In light of the recent tragedy, Delhi's Revenue Minister Atishi announced plans to introduce the Coaching Institutes Regulation Act. This law aims to establish comprehensive regulations for coaching centers, which have proliferated across the city, particularly in areas like Rajendra Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar, and Preet Vihar. The proposed legislation will focus on several critical areas:
- Infrastructure Requirements: Coaching centers will be required to adhere to specific safety standards to protect students.
- Teacher Qualifications: The law will mandate qualifications for instructors, ensuring that students receive quality education.
- Fee Regulation: Measures will be implemented to regulate the fees charged by coaching institutes, making education more accessible to all students.
- Preventing Misleading Advertisements: The act will prohibit deceptive marketing practices that could mislead students and their families.
Minister Atishi emphasized that the law will be developed with input from both students and coaching center officials, ensuring that it addresses the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. A five-member committee will be formed to draft the legislation, and public feedback will be actively solicited during this process.
Immediate Actions Taken
In the wake of the incident, the Delhi government has acted quickly to address safety violations. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sealed the basements of 30 coaching centers that were found to be in violation of safety regulations. Notices have been issued to an additional 200 centers, highlighting the urgency of enforcing safety standards in these educational institutions.
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has stated that further actions against encroachments are planned, and she has expressed strong support for the proposed regulations. The government is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident to hold accountable those responsible for the negligence that led to the students' deaths.
National Context and Future Implications
TheDelhi govt. has called for a national law to regulate coaching centers across India, citing concerns about the coaching mafia and issues such as paper leaks and exploitation of students. This appeal comes in the context of the Central government's release of the "Guidelines for Registration and Regulation of Coaching Centers 2024," which aims to set minimum operational standards. However, these guidelines lack the robustness needed for effective enforcement, making state-level regulations essential.
In Patna, similar measures are being taken, with district magistrates forming inquiry teams to inspect illegal coaching institutions and ensure compliance with safety standards.
The tragic deaths of the UPSC aspirants have sparked a critical conversation about the regulation of coaching institutes in Delhi and beyond. The proposed Coaching Institutes Regulation Act represents a significant step toward ensuring the safety and quality of education in these centers. As the Delhi government moves forward with this initiative, it highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among students, educators, and policymakers to create a safer and more accountable educational environment.
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