Uncertainty Grips Civil Services Aspirants in Delhi Amid Coaching Centre Closures

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th July. The recent deaths of three IAS aspirants in a rain-flooded basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle have cast a shadow of uncertainty over civil services aspirants in Delhi. After the tragedy, coaching institutes in Old Rajinder Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar have canceled classes, leading to widespread disruption.

On Sunday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed 13 coaching centers in Old Rajinder Nagar for operating illegally. The sealed centers include IAS Gurukul, Chahal Academy, Plutus Academy, and several others. This action comes after the basement, used as a library, flooded due to heavy rains, resulting in the deaths of Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Navin Dalwin from Kerala.

Students have been left in dismay as classes and library access are suspended. “It is unclear how long this situation will last. We are waiting for the government to address our concerns,” said Sameer, a UPSC aspirant. With many centers shifting to online classes or closing completely, students are struggling to maintain their study schedules.

A student from Jharkhand noted, “Our classes at Vision IAS are canceled for the next three days, and since the library is closed, I am considering returning home.” Teachers from various institutes reported that the closures have caused significant disruption to students’ preparations.

This incident follows a previous crisis in Mukherjee Nagar last year when a fire at a multi-storey building housing coaching centers led to students jumping from windows. The Delhi High Court had previously directed action against coaching centers violating safety norms, but the recent deaths have raised questions about the enforcement of these regulations.

In Mukherjee Nagar, students are also voicing concerns as the MCD sealed Drishti IAS Coaching Center for running classes from basements. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has directed the MCD commissioner to take action against such violations.

As the MCD conducts inspections and coaching centers shut down in anticipation of raids, students express frustration over the lack of long-term safety improvements. “It feels like a temporary fix. Once the media attention fades, things will likely return to the old status quo,” lamented a SSC aspirant from Rajasthan.

Amidst these concerns, students are calling for greater accountability and enhanced safety measures to prevent further tragedies.