Student Tragedy Sparks Protests
The tragic death of three UPSC aspirants—Tania Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Navin Delvin—due to flooding in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar has sparked significant student protests in the Delhi NCR region. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has since sealed the basements of several coaching institutes that were operating in violation of building regulations.
MCD Crackdown on Illegal Coaching Centers
Following the incident, the MCD sealed 13 coaching institutes, including notable centers like Drishti IAS and Vajiram & Ravi, which were found conducting classes in basements designated only for storage. This enforcement action aims to curb the unauthorized use of basements and ensure compliance with building and fire safety norms.
Political and Civic Reactions
The incident has led to a confrontation between BJP MPs, including MP Bansuri Swaraj, and the MCD. The BJP lawmakers are demanding accountability from the MCD for not ensuring proper drainage and safety measures in these coaching centers. Meanwhile, AAP leader Atishi has pledged to review and amend policies to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Ongoing Student Protests
Despite the sealing of these institutes, students continue to protest, demanding stringent actions against those responsible for the tragedy and better safety regulations for educational institutions. The protests have spread to areas like Karol Bagh, with students voicing their need for safe and regulated educational environments.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for rigorous enforcement of building regulations and better safety standards in educational institutions to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of students.