Delhi Government Issues Safety Guidelines After Tragic Deaths of UPSC Aspirants

The Directorate of Education of Delhi Government has issued new safety guidelines to all principals and heads of government, government-aided, and unaided private recognised schools. This action follows the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants who died due to flooding in the basement of a coaching institute on July 27.

Key Safety Guidelines

According to the guidelines:

• Basements of school buildings are permissible for activities as per the master plan or sanctioned plan.
• All gates of a school building must be functional and open for entry and exit.
• Access to the basement must be clearly marked in the school evacuation plan.
• Corridors must be free from obstructions at all times, ensuring smooth passage.
• Regular checks for water accumulation in school corridors and staircases are required.
• Steps should be taken to avoid water logging in and around school premises.
• Electrical wiring and fittings, including appliances, must be checked and all safety norms followed.
• Fire safety measures must be in place.

Committee Formation

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has directed the Chief Secretary of Delhi to head a committee comprising representatives of coaching institutions, students, and officials from concerned departments. The committee will address issues related to regulation, exorbitant rental by landlords, fire clearances, desilting of drains, and other immediate needs of students. The committee will also prepare a long-term and short-term action plan for gradually shifting coaching institutes to a well-planned area.

This decision came after a meeting on July 30 with senior management of over 21 private coaching institutes, senior officers of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Vice-Chairman of Delhi Development Authority, and student representatives.