In response to the tragic death of three civil service aspirants at Rau's IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar, the Delhi government announced plans to introduce a new law for regulating coaching centres. Delhi minister Atishi, alongside Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, emphasized the urgency of the situation and the government's commitment to swift action.

Immediate Measures and New Law for Regulating Coaching Centres

Following the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nevin Dalwin from Kerala, Delhi authorities have taken decisive steps. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) conducted a preliminary investigation and discovered that the primary cause of the flooding was encroachment on drainage areas by coaching centres. The drainage system was clogged with silt, and the basement used as a library did not have the necessary clearance for such use.

In response, the Delhi government has sealed the basements of 30 coaching centres and issued notices to 200 institutes. Delhi Minister Atishi highlighted these actions as part of the government’s broader strategy to address safety concerns within coaching institutions. "We are taking these measures to ensure the safety of students and prevent any future incidents. The introduction of the new law for regulating coaching centres is crucial in this regard," Atishi stated.

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Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi also emphasized the government's swift response. "We will listen to the demands of the students and hold a meeting with them soon. After that, we will introduce the Coaching Institute Regulation Act," Oberoi declared during a press conference. This upcoming legislation, known as the new law for regulating coaching centres, aims to set stricter standards and guidelines for these institutions, ensuring they comply with safety regulations and provide a secure environment for students.

Committee Formation and Legal Actions

The regulatory framework for the new law will be developed by a committee that includes officials and students from coaching hubs. This committee is tasked with creating comprehensive regulations that address the various issues identified during the investigation. The focus will be on preventing future tragedies by enforcing strict safety measures and ensuring that coaching centres adhere to established guidelines.

The incident has also led to disciplinary actions against officials responsible for overseeing encroachments. The junior engineer in charge of preventing encroachments has been terminated, and the assistant engineer has been suspended. These measures underscore the seriousness with which the Delhi government is treating the matter and its commitment to holding individuals accountable for lapses in duty.

Additionally, illegal encroachments by coaching centres have been bulldozed over the past three days as part of a broader crackdown. The tragic flooding on July 27 resulted in significant casualties, prompting both local and national authorities to take action. Seven individuals, including the owner and coordinator of the coaching institute, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Union Home Ministry has also stepped in, constituting a high-level committee headed by an Additional Secretary to investigate the incident further. This committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the flooding and the enforcement of regulations at coaching centres.

The introduction of the new law for regulating coaching centres is expected to bring about significant changes in the way these institutions operate. By addressing the regulatory gaps and ensuring compliance with safety standards, the Delhi government aims to create a safer environment for students pursuing civil service exams and other competitive courses. This proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to student welfare and the prevention of future tragedies.

The Delhi government’s response to this tragic event illustrates the critical need for effective regulation and oversight of coaching centres. The forthcoming new law for regulating coaching centres will be a crucial step in ensuring that such incidents do not recur and that the safety and well-being of students are prioritized.

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