The Delhi government has ordered a comprehensive inspection of 923 coaching institutes across the national capital following the recent fire tragedy at an animation training centre in Lucknow that claimed 15 lives. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against institutions found violating fire safety regulations or building norms.

The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Delhi Education, Higher Education and Technical Education Minister Ashish Sood on Wednesday. The meeting focused on evaluating safety arrangements, infrastructure standards and regulatory compliance at coaching centres operating across the city.

Government Orders Comprehensive Safety Review

Emphasising the government’s stance on student welfare, Sood said that the safety and well-being of students would remain the administration’s foremost priority and that no coaching institute would be permitted to ignore mandatory safety requirements.

Departments concerned have been directed to immediately implement both short-term and long-term corrective measures while ensuring compliance with all guidelines issued by statutory authorities and courts.

As part of the exercise, authorities will conduct a special inspection drive in major coaching hubs such as Mukherjee Nagar, Rajendra Nagar and Katwaria Sarai, areas known for housing large numbers of coaching institutes and paying-guest accommodations.

Joint Teams To Inspect Coaching Hubs

Joint inspection teams comprising officials from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will examine institutions for compliance with fire safety requirements, building regulations and other mandatory safety provisions.

During the review meeting, officials informed the government that details of 923 coaching institutes previously surveyed by the MCD would be shared with all relevant departments to facilitate coordinated inspections and targeted enforcement action.

The government has also directed the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other agencies to initiate stringent action against coaching centres found operating in violation of prescribed norms.

To ensure continuous monitoring, the MCD has been instructed to submit daily action reports to the office of the Education Minister detailing enforcement measures and compliance status.

Regulatory Framework Under Preparation

Alongside the inspection drive, the Directorate of Higher Education is preparing a comprehensive regulatory framework for coaching institutes. The proposed framework is expected to strengthen accountability, improve safety standards and introduce greater transparency in the functioning of such institutions.

The intensified scrutiny follows the deadly fire that broke out earlier this week in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. At least 15 people, most of them students aged between 20 and 24 years, lost their lives after flames engulfed a three-storey building housing an animation training centre and a pet shop.

Preliminary investigations into the Lucknow incident revealed several serious safety lapses. Authorities found that the building had reportedly been approved for residential use but was allegedly being used for commercial activities.

Investigators also cited the absence of adequate smoke evacuation systems, a lack of emergency exits and other fire safety deficiencies that reportedly hindered evacuation efforts and rescue operations.

Recent Fire Incidents Raise Concerns

The tragedy has prompted broader scrutiny of educational and commercial establishments across multiple states. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced restrictions on coaching and commercial activities in basements and launched its own inspection drives.

Delhi’s renewed focus on safety enforcement also comes in the wake of another major fire incident earlier this month. A blaze at a Bread & Breakfast facility in Malviya Nagar claimed 22 lives and brought attention to alleged lapses involving unauthorised construction, emergency preparedness and compliance with fire safety norms.

The two recent incidents have intensified concerns over enforcement failures and renewed calls for stricter monitoring of buildings that accommodate large numbers of students, residents and visitors.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share