Panel to Investigate Coaching Deaths

Centre Forms Panel to Probe Rau’s IAS Coaching Deaths

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted a committee to investigate the tragic deaths of three civil services aspirants at a coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and regulatory oversight of such institutions.

The committee, as announced by the MHA spokesperson, will delve into the reasons behind the incident, assign responsibility, suggest preventive measures, and recommend policy changes. The committee will be composed of several key officials, including the Additional Secretary of MoUHA, the Principal Secretary (Home) of the Delhi Government, the Special Commissioner of Police (Delhi), the Fire Advisor, and the Joint Secretary of the MHA, who will serve as the Convener. The committee is expected to submit its report within 30 days.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the Rajya Sabha, attributing the deaths of Shreya Yadav, Tanya Soni, and Nivin Dalwin to negligence. These aspirants drowned in the basement of Rau’s Study Circle, which became flooded following recent heavy rains in the national capital. Pradhan emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable to prevent such incidents from recurring, stressing that negligence must be addressed and responsibility fixed.

On Monday, five individuals arrested in connection with the incident were placed in judicial custody for 14 days by a court. Additionally, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the three IAS aspirants who lost their lives in the flooding.

Delhi’s Mayor Shelly Oberoi outlined the actions taken by the Aam Aadmi Party-controlled Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) following the incident. In a statement, Oberoi mentioned that she had directed the MCD Commissioner to take action against all coaching centers operating illegally or not adhering to MCD norms. This led to a sealing drive in Rajinder Nagar, resulting in the closure of 13 coaching centers. The drive continued, with six more centers being sealed and an encroachment drive also taking place in Mukherjee Nagar. Consequently, a Junior Engineer was terminated, and an Assistant Engineer was suspended.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reiterated the issue of negligence at Rau’s IAS Study Circle, where the three students died after the basement flooded due to rain. Pradhan emphasized in the Rajya Sabha that accountability must be established to find a solution and prevent future occurrences. He noted that the government had issued guidelines for regulating coaching centers earlier this year in January.

The deaths of the three aspirants at Rau’s IAS Study Circle have sparked a significant response from both government officials and the public. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulation and oversight of coaching centers to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The formation of the investigative committee by the MHA underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

As the investigation proceeds, it will be crucial to monitor the committee’s findings and the subsequent actions taken by the authorities to implement the recommended measures. The tragic loss of these young lives serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety and accountability in educational institutions.

In conclusion, the proactive steps taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs and other government bodies in response to this incident demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. The formation of the committee, the sealing of non-compliant coaching centers, and the emphasis on accountability are significant steps towards safeguarding the lives of students and maintaining the integrity of educational institutions in India.

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