After the Lucknow fire incident, Delhi government has also started investigation. Delhi Education, Higher Education and Technical Education Minister Ashish Sood on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security arrangements, infrastructure and regulatory arrangements of coaching institutes running in the capital Delhi. During this, Minister Sood said that the Delhi government is fully committed to protecting the interests of the students and their future. No institution will be allowed to compromise the safety of students. Strict and decisive action will be taken against those who violate the rules.
During the meeting, Ashish Sood expressed deep concern over the deficiencies in infrastructure and security standards present in the coaching institutes. He said that no compromise will be accepted on issues related to the safety, welfare and life of the students. Minister Ashish Sood said that the safety and welfare of students is our top priority. Any kind of negligence related to the safety of students will not be tolerated.
He said that all coaching institutes will have to completely follow the guidelines and security standards issued from time to time by the government and courts. Senior officials of Home Department, Municipal Corporation (MCD), Urban Development Department, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Directorate of Higher Education were present in the meeting.
Security measures should be implemented with immediate effect
In the meeting, detailed discussions were held on fire safety arrangements, regulatory shortcomings, student interests and unfair business practices being adopted by some coaching institutes. Minister Sood directed all concerned departments to implement comprehensive and long-term security measures with immediate effect to ensure the safety of students by coaching institutes.
Instructions to conduct special inspection campaign
As part of immediate action, the Education Minister has directed Delhi Development Authority (DDA), MCD, Delhi Fire Service and DDMA to conduct special inspection drives in the major coaching hubs of the capital – Mukherjee Nagar, Rajendra Nagar and Katwaria Sarai. The inspection teams will check compliance with fire safety standards, building regulations and other mandatory safety provisions. To make the inspection drive effective, the list of 923 coaching institutes surveyed in Delhi will be provided by MCD to the concerned departments.
Action will be taken against those who violate safety standards
Ashish Sood directed Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other concerned departments to take strict action against institutions that violate safety standards or operate contrary to the prescribed rules. Also, MCD has been directed to submit a detailed report of the action taken daily to the Education Minister’s office.
Directorate of Higher Education is preparing the draft
It was also informed in the meeting that the Directorate of Higher Education is preparing a comprehensive and strong regulatory framework for coaching institutes. The objective of this framework is to address systemic shortcomings, strengthen accountability, strengthen safety standards and establish a transparent regulatory regime for coaching institutes. This draft will be presented to the government soon.
Action will be taken against playing with the safety of students
Reiterating the commitment of Delhi Government towards protecting the interests of students, Ashish Sood said that strict adherence to all safety standards will be ensured and strict action will be taken against any negligence endangering the life and safety of students.
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