Delhi Government Announces Extensive Safety Measures for Educational Institutions

Since three UPSC candidates tragically died on July 27 as a result of flooding in a coaching institute’s basement, the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education has sent safety recommendations to all principals and heads of government, government-aided, and unaided private recognized schools.

Under the standards, school buildings’ basements may be utilized for purposes that are authorized by the building’s master plan.

Every gate leading into or out of a school building must also be operational and open for traffic. Incorporated into the school evacuation plan, the basement access needs to be prominently indicated.

There must never be any obstacles in the way of any corridor, and easy access must always be guaranteed. Water buildup in school hallways and stairwells should also be continuously inspected.

The Directorate further stated that safety regulations must be adhered to and electrical wiring and fixtures, including appliances, must be inspected in order to prevent any type of unfavorable incident. The school level should take all necessary precautions to prevent water logging in and around the school premises. As instructed, the school needs to have implemented all necessary fire safety precautions.

The Chief Secretary of Delhi has been directed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena to lead a committee that will include representatives from coaching institutions, students, and officials from relevant departments. The committee will tackle issues pertaining to regulation, excessive landlord rental fees, fire clearances, drain desilting, and other pressing student needs in order to establish a conducive learning environment.

The Committee would create both a long-term and short-term action plan, he added, to progressively move the coaching institutes from different sites to a specified area.

The LG called a meeting on 30th July with officials of the Delhi Development Authority, top officers from the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the vice chairman of the Delhi Coaching schools, and senior management from over 21 private coaching schools.