Una, August 2 - District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal has directed to take decisive steps towards strict adherence to safety standards in all coaching centers in Una district. He has asked all SDMs to conduct intensive inspection of every coaching center located in their respective areas and ensure compliance with safety standards. Issuing orders in this regard, the District Magistrate has directed all SDMs to compile detailed data of coaching centers in their respective subdivisions, which should include the name, address, ownership, registration status, number of enrolled students, and if the center is operating in the basement, then its location should be included.
Let us tell you, recently the tragedy of flood and waterlogging in a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi exposed the serious lack of safety standards. Three civil service candidates died tragically in this accident. In view of this accident, the Deputy Commissioner has given clear instructions for the safety of children that all coaching centres should follow the safety rules completely.
He said that the SDM should ensure in his inspection that coaching centres comply with fire safety rules. There should be functional fire extinguishers, alarms and clear emergency exits. They should evaluate the structural integrity of the premises and also see that there is proper ventilation. Apart from this, inspect the drainage system within and around the coaching centre premises to prevent waterlogging, especially the basement should be thoroughly inspected for drainage system.
The Deputy Commissioner directed that all SDMs should pay special attention to coaching centres operating in basements. Verify compliance with all rules related to the operation of educational institutions, including adequate lighting, ventilation and emergency exits. Coaching centres that do not meet the required safety standards may be asked to close temporarily until these deficiencies are rectified.
He said that the SDM will inspect the centres again to check the implementation of necessary corrective measures. In cases where the coaching centres fail to adhere to the safety and structural norms even after follow-up inspections, appropriate legal and disciplinary action will be taken against them as per the relevant laws and regulations.
He has directed all SDMs to submit a detailed report within two days on their findings regarding the inspections of coaching centres. He has also asked to make a special mention of those coaching centres in the report which are not following the prescribed norms.
He said that if any person is found violating the above orders, action will be taken against the violator as per Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other legal provisions. All SDMs will have the right to take legal action under Section 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.