Delhi Government to Introduce New Law to Regulate Coaching Centres

Delhi Education Minister Atishi has announced that the AAP-led government plans to introduce a new law to regulate coaching centres in the national capital. This initiative aims to address various issues within these institutions, ensuring better standards and safety for students.

Atishi revealed that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) launched an investigation within 24 hours, resulting in the arrest of the Junior Engineer (JE) and the suspension of the Assistant Engineer (AE). This prompt response followed a tragic incident where three IAS aspirants lost their lives due to flooding in a basement used by Rau's IAS Study Circle.

The proposed law will encompass infrastructure requirements, teacher qualifications, fee regulation, and measures against misleading advertisements. Public feedback will be sought to ensure comprehensive regulations. Atishi stated, "We are not going to wait for the central government to come up with their rules. We decided to implement rules for coaching centres no matter what coaching centre it is, be it UPSC, JEE, NEET. We are coming up with a regulatory act for these coaching institutes."

A committee comprising government officials and students from different coaching hubs will be formed to draft this law. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving educational facilities and safeguarding student welfare.

Atishi emphasized that action has been taken against coaching centres operating libraries and classes in basements. She warned of strict measures if any officers were found guilty in connection with the Old Rajinder Nagar incident. "Strict action will be taken if any officers are found guilty in the incident. Illegal building use led to the Old Rajinder Nagar tragedy," she asserted.

The magisterial probe report on this incident is expected within six days. The investigation will determine which officer ignored a complaint from an IAS aspirant about the illegal use of the basement at Rau's IAS Study Circle, where three students died.

The tragic event involved three IAS aspirants-Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nevin Dalwin from Kerala-who died after heavy rain flooded the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle on Saturday evening. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety standards in coaching centres.

Citing preliminary findings, Atishi noted that all coaching centres in the affected area were involved in encroachments that obstructed proper drainage systems. This negligence significantly contributed to the flooding disaster.

The government's proactive stance on regulating coaching centres aims to prevent such tragedies in the future by ensuring compliance with safety norms and other essential standards. The new regulations will focus on:

• Infrastructure Requirements: Establishing minimum standards for the physical infrastructure of coaching centres to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Teacher Qualifications: Setting qualifications for instructors to ensure quality education.
• Fee Regulation: Introducing measures to regulate fees, making education more affordable.
• Advertising Standards: Implementing rules to prevent misleading advertisements that can deceive students and parents.