Crackdown Ordered on Coaching Centers Running in Basements in 4 States

New Delhi: Four states have initiated action against coaching centers and libraries operating in basements following the the tragedy in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar that claimed lives of three civil service aspirants.

The Kota district administration in Rajasthan has ordered the closure of 13 libraries operating in basements. The owners of these buildings have been warned for violation their premises would be sealed.

In a review meeting on Monday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav instructed officials to survey coaching institutes operating in basements and take strict action. All municipal commissioners have been directed to inspect coaching centres and other institutions operating in basements within their jurisdictions and submit a report.

In Bihar, Patna’s district magistrate has ordered a survey of all coaching institutes and a report within 15 days. The investigation team will be headed by a sub-divisional officer and will include a fire safety officer, city executive officer, zonal officer, block education officer and police station in-charge. The team will look into the registration status of the coaching institutes, compliance with safety standards, compliance with building bylaws, and fire exit arrangements to deal with emergency situations.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also issued strict directions to stop “illegal” activities in basements.