The fire broke out in a commercial building in the Mukherjee Nagar area, a hub for coaching centers, where thousands of students prepare for competitive exams. Initial reports suggest that the building lacked adequate fire safety measures, including functional fire extinguishers and proper emergency exits, contributing to the casualties.
Parents and local residents have expressed outrage, blaming both the coaching center management and the MCD for negligence. “This is a clear case of oversight. The building had no proper safety protocols in place, and the authorities did nothing to enforce regulations,” said Ramesh Singh, a parent of one of the students.
The Delhi High Court, taking suo motu cognizance of the incident, has asked the MCD Chief to provide a detailed report on the licensing and inspection processes for such institutions. The court has questioned the efficacy of the existing regulatory framework and demanded immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
During the hearing, Justice Vipin Sanghi noted that the fire incident reflects a severe failure in governance. “It is appalling that despite previous warnings and incidents, there seems to be no improvement in safety measures at these centers. The lives of our young students cannot be put at risk due to administrative apathy,” he remarked.
The MCD Chief, in response, admitted that there might have been lapses and assured the court of a thorough investigation. He promised stricter enforcement of safety regulations and regular inspections to ensure compliance by coaching centers and other educational institutions.
This incident has also drawn the attention of various stakeholders in the education sector. Education experts have called for a comprehensive audit of all coaching centers across Delhi to ensure they adhere to safety norms. “We need a zero-tolerance policy towards safety violations in educational establishments. The safety of students should be the top priority,” said Anjali Verma, an education consultant.
The Delhi government has also stepped in, with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announcing a task force to inspect and certify the safety of coaching centers. “We will not allow such incidents to repeat. The task force will ensure that all coaching centers comply with the necessary safety standards,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the families of the deceased students are seeking justice and accountability. Candlelight vigils and protests have been held in various parts of the city, with participants demanding stringent action against those responsible for the tragedy. “We want justice for our children. Those responsible should be held accountable, and measures should be taken to ensure this doesn’t happen to any other family,” said a grieving parent.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on implementing robust safety measures to protect students in educational institutions. The Delhi High Court's intervention is seen as a crucial step towards enforcing accountability and ensuring that regulatory bodies perform their duties effectively.
The tragic incident has underscored the urgent need for a systemic overhaul in the regulation and monitoring of coaching centers in Delhi. It has brought to light the broader issues of administrative negligence and the importance of prioritizing student safety in educational environments.