Students Protest in Delhi’s Old Rajender Nagar After Flooding Tragedy at UPSC Coaching Centre
On Tuesday morning, students in Delhi’s Old Rajender Nagar continued their protest following the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants. The incident occurred at Rau’s Study Circle when the basement of the coaching centre flooded due to heavy rains.
Demands for Compensation and Safety
Robin Singh, a UPSC aspirant, demanded Rs 5 crore compensation for each victim’s family and an accurate death toll. Another student, Bhoomi, emphasized the need for better safety measures in libraries and the involvement of higher authorities like the MCD and Delhi Jal Board.
Local Concerns
A local protester highlighted the danger of exposed 440-volt wires and blocked sewers, which contribute to waterlogging. The local also questioned how buildings higher than four floors received fire NOC.
Eyewitness Account
Hridesh Chauhan, an eyewitness, described the chaos when the guard asked everyone to leave due to flooding. Around 30-35 students were in the library at the time.
Authorities’ Response
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena met with the protesting students. The MCD initiated disciplinary actions against local engineers, and Delhi police arrested seven people, including the coaching centre’s owner and coordinator. The MCD also sealed 13 coaching centre basements for violating building laws.
Student Demands
Protesting students organized a candle vigil and demanded accountability and strict punishment for those responsible. They also called for immediate compensation for the victims’ families.
Previous Incidents
This protest follows another tragic incident where a UPSC aspirant was electrocuted on a waterlogged street in Patel Nagar.
Doubts Revealed
Old Rajender Nagar -: Old Rajender Nagar is a neighborhood in Delhi, India. It is known for having many coaching centers where students prepare for competitive exams like the UPSC.
UPSC -: UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission. It is an organization in India that conducts exams to select people for various government jobs.
aspirants -: Aspirants are people who are trying to achieve a particular goal. In this case, UPSC aspirants are students who are studying hard to pass the UPSC exams and get government jobs.
compensation -: Compensation means giving something, usually money, to someone to make up for a loss or injury. The students want the families of the victims to receive money to help them after the tragedy.
MCD -: MCD stands for Municipal Corporation of Delhi. It is a local government body that takes care of civic services like building regulations, sanitation, and public health in Delhi.
sealed -: Sealed means to close something tightly so that it cannot be used. The MCD has closed 13 coaching center basements because they were not following the building laws.
accountability -: Accountability means being responsible for something and being able to explain your actions. The students want the people in charge to take responsibility for the tragedy and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
disciplinary actions -: Disciplinary actions are steps taken to punish someone for not following rules or doing something wrong. Local officials are facing these actions because they did not ensure the safety of the coaching centers.
