Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued a one-month ultimatum to all coaching centers in the city to conduct fire audits, install necessary safety equipment, and implement prescribed safety measures. This directive follows a tragic fire incident in a Lucknow coaching institute that resulted in the loss of 15 lives. In response to the incident, four individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the fire, while four administrative officials have been suspended due to accountability concerns.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of students in coaching institutes, stating that those failing to comply with the safety requirements within the stipulated timeframe will face stringent actions, including potential closure. Students have been encouraged to report any unsafe coaching centers through various communication channels, with assurances that every complaint will be addressed promptly to safeguard the well-being of children.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister’s warning coincides with a public interest litigation (PIL) filed before the Supreme Court, advocating for the establishment and enforcement of a National Minimum Fire and Life-Safety Framework for high-risk public-occupancy premises nationwide. The PIL references various past incidents, including fires at Uphaar Cinema, AMRI Hospital, Surat Takshashila Arcade coaching center, Anaj Mandi, Rajkot TRP Game Zone, as well as recent fires in Malviya Nagar guest house in Delhi and the coaching center in Aliganj, Lucknow.
