Lok Sabha MP Pappu Yadav recently raised a significant alarm about the lack of regulation surrounding coaching institutes in India. His concern was triggered by a tragic incident at a coaching center in Old Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi, where three aspirants drowned after their study center’s basement was inundated with rainwater on Saturday evening. Yadav has called for the government to create laws to regulate these coaching institutes and ensure student safety.
Yadav’s comment comes after accusations that were initially reported. He claimed that, in addition to the three confirmed deaths, there are reports of six students missing, with the possibility that up to 12 students could be unaccounted for. According to Yadav, efforts are being made to downplay the extent of the tragedy, which has fueled his demand for greater transparency and regulation.
The MP’s concerns point to a broader issue within the coaching industry. He criticized the lack of regulatory oversight for these institutions, arguing that it leaves students vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe conditions. Yadav stressed that there are currently no national guidelines or laws governing these coaching centers, which operate with minimal regard for the safety and well-being of their students.
Yadav highlighted the severe consequences of this lack of oversight by referencing the alarming number of student suicides in Kota, a well-known hub for coaching centers. He noted that Bihar, a state where many students migrate to cities like Bengaluru, Kota,Kota and Delhi for better educational opportunities, has the highest rate of student suicide in this context.
Yadav lamented that the quality of education in Bihar is so inadequate that families are compelled to spend a staggering Rs 40,000 crore annually on education in other states. Despite this significant expenditure, the safety of these students is not adequately addressed.
In response to the recent disaster, students in Old Rajendra Nagar have taken to the streets in protest. They are demanding compensation for the families of the deceased and a complete and accurate account of the number of casualties. The protesters have also voiced concerns about the safety of libraries and study areas in coaching centers, many of which are located in basements prone to flooding.
They are calling for stricter safety regulations to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. Yadav’s appeal for legislative action reflects a growing demand for reform in the education sector, particularly in how coaching institutes are regulated. His statements highlight the urgent need for comprehensive changes to protect students and address the risks associated with the current system.
The tragedy in Old Rajendra Nagar has brought to light the pressing need for better oversight and regulation of coaching centers to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety and well-being of students across the country.
