Anand Kumar Calls for Ban on Teaching in Basements After Tragic Deaths in Delhi

After three UPSC aspirants lost their lives in a flooded basement at a coaching center in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar, Super 30 program founder Anand Kumar has called for a ban on teaching in basements and timely inspections of such areas.

Anand Kumar stated, “Teaching in basements should be completely banned. The standards that should be in place for coaching centres regarding how much area students will sit in, how many entry and exit points there should be, all these things should be followed and inspected from time to time. In case of any violation, strict action and fines should be imposed.”

He also requested that coaching centers provide compensation to the victims as soon as possible. “I am very sad and stand with the students. What you are doing for your friends is very good, but work calmly and also focus on your studies. If you see something like this in the future, oppose it immediately. I request coaching centres to provide compensation to the victims quickly and ensure such mistakes are not repeated in the future,” he added.

Meanwhile, MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar met a delegation of protesting students on Wednesday. The tragic death of aspirants highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent future tragedies. A total of 28 students met the commissioner with their suggestions. The commissioner had an elaborate discussion and assured students of the proper redressal of their grievances.

The MCD Commissioner has ordered that buildings with basements should be surveyed and immediate action, including sealing, be taken against those found misusing the same. There should be separate entry and exit gates for the basement. All building plans shall be made available in the public domain so that violators can be detected, and all encroachments above drains and footpaths shall be removed.

“The storm water drains shall be fully cleaned and choking at any point shall be cleared with the help of super-sucker machines. In case a fresh drain is required at any place, an immediate proposal for the same be put up,” the MCD said.

So far, Delhi Police have arrested seven people, including the driver of an SUV, in connection with the incident. The driver, Manuj Katharia, was granted bail. The victims who died in the incident have been identified as Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nivin Dalwin from Kerala.