Drishti IAS Responds to Delhi UPSC Tragedy

In the wake of the tragic flooding at a UPSC coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, Drishti IAS founder Vikas Divya Kirti has issued a statement addressing the incident and the ongoing student protests. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of three UPSC aspirants, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. In his statement, Vikas Divya Kirti discussed the safety concerns surrounding the use of basements for coaching centres and the bureaucratic hurdles faced in obtaining necessary permissions.

Statement from Vikas Divya Kirti

Vikas Divya Kirti began by acknowledging the valid concerns about the safety of using basements for coaching centres. He compared the situation to other basement constructions in Delhi, such as the Delhi Metro, Palika Bazar, and various shopping complexes, which are all safely constructed and widely used. He emphasized that the basement of the coaching centre was built to similar standards and that assurances had been repeatedly sought from the authorities.

He stated, “We completely agree that the basement should be sealed, but Delhi Metro runs in the basement only, Palika Bazar is in the basement only, there are big shopping complexes in the basement of almost every mall in Delhi. Lakhs of people shop there because the basement there has been constructed properly.”

Divya Kirti highlighted the bureaucratic challenges in obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). He explained that both entities shifted responsibility, causing delays and confusion. Despite multiple letters exchanged between DDA and MCD, the issue remained unresolved until a recent High Court meeting.

“In the last meeting in the High Court, DDA said for the first time that we are giving the rights to MCD and now the hearing which is going to take place tomorrow, MCD would have issued it anyway, either we would have got the permission or it would have issued it that you get a building constructed in these six plots with two different exits and start the work there,” he added.

Apology and Commitment to Safety

Vikas Divya Kirti expressed deep regret for the tragedy and apologized to the entire nation. He assured that steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. “I apologize to the entire country with full understanding that yes, that mistake was made, that mistake will not be repeated again,” he stated.

Reaction to Drishti IAS Statement

The statement from Drishti IAS has drawn varied reactions. Many students and parents appreciated the acknowledgment and the commitment to safety improvements. However, some feel that an apology alone is not enough and are calling for tangible actions to ensure student safety in the future.

Neha Sharma, a concerned parent, said, “While it’s good that Drishti IAS has admitted their mistake and promised to take steps to prevent such incidents, we need to see real changes on the ground. Our children’s lives depend on it.”

Broader Implications for Coaching Centres

The incident and the statement from Drishti IAS have sparked a broader debate about the safety standards of coaching centres in Delhi. Many other coaching centres are now under scrutiny, with parents and students demanding more transparency and better safety protocols.

Rahul Gupta, the owner of another prominent coaching centre, remarked, “This tragedy has been a wake-up call for all of us. We must ensure that our facilities are safe and compliant with all regulations. The lives of our students are our top priority.”

Steps Taken by Drishti IAS

In response to the tragedy and the protests, Drishti IAS has announced several immediate steps to enhance safety. These include:
– Conducting a comprehensive safety audit of all their facilities.
– Implementing stricter safety protocols, including regular emergency drills.
– Working closely with authorities to ensure all necessary permissions and safety standards are met.

Drishti IAS has also set up a committee to monitor the implementation of these safety measures and to ensure continuous improvement.

Community Support and Future Actions

The broader community has shown support for the affected families and the protesting students. Many civil society organizations have also called for a thorough investigation and accountability.

In the wake of the tragedy, there is a strong push for systemic reforms. Students and parents are urging the authorities to enforce stricter regulations and to conduct regular inspections of all coaching centres.

Conclusion

The Delhi UPSC coaching centre tragedy has highlighted significant safety concerns within the coaching sector. Drishti IAS, through its founder Vikas Divya Kirti, has acknowledged these issues and expressed a commitment to preventing such incidents in the future. As investigations continue and reforms are implemented, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The tragedy has underscored the need for stringent safety measures, accountability, and continuous vigilance in the education sector.

FAQs

1. What sparked the student protests in Delhi?
The student protests were sparked by the tragic flooding at Rau’s IAS coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of three UPSC aspirants.

2. What is Drishti IAS’s stance on the tragedy?
Drishti IAS, through its founder Vikas Divya Kirti, acknowledged the safety concerns and expressed deep regret for the incident, emphasizing the need for proper safety measures and promising that such a mistake would not be repeated.

3. What actions have been taken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)?
In response to the incident, the MCD has sealed 20 coaching centres for violating basement bylaws and has terminated a junior engineer’s services and suspended an assistant engineer.

4. What role does the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) play in this situation?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formed a committee to investigate the incident and submit a report within 30 days, identifying the causes of the tragedy and recommending preventive measures.

5. How have student organizations and civil society groups responded?
Various student organizations and civil society groups have shown support for the protests, highlighting the urgent need for safety reforms and accountability in coaching centres.

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