NEW DELHI: In a major initiative aimed at safeguarding students and reforming the coaching institute ecosystem in the national capital, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has ordered a citywide crackdown on coaching centres and announced a comprehensive inspection drive across major educational hubs. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting attended by officials from several key government departments and agencies.
The move comes amid growing concerns over safety lapses, infrastructural deficiencies and regulatory gaps in coaching institutes that cater to thousands of students preparing for competitive examinations every year.
Senior officials from the Home Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Urban Development Department, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the Directorate of Higher Education participated in the meeting to formulate an action plan for improving safety standards.
Student Welfare to Remain the Top Priority
During the meeting, Ashish Sood underlined that student safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances and that institutions failing to comply with mandatory norms would face strict consequences.
“The safety and welfare of students is our highest priority. Any negligence affecting student safety will not be tolerated. All coaching institutes must strictly comply with safety norms and guidelines issued by the Government and the Courts from time to time,” Sood said.
The minister expressed concern over the condition of several coaching centres operating in densely populated educational hubs, where thousands of students spend long hours attending classes.
He stressed that educational institutions carry a responsibility that extends beyond academics and includes ensuring a safe and secure environment for every student.
Fire Safety and Infrastructure Under Scanner
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to evaluating emergency preparedness and infrastructural standards in coaching centres.
Officials discussed issues related to inadequate fire safety measures, overcrowding, emergency exits, structural deficiencies and overall student welfare. Concerns were also raised about unfair commercial practices allegedly adopted by certain institutions. The government has now decided to adopt a coordinated and long-term strategy to address these challenges.
Ashish Sood directed all departments to ensure that coaching centre operators implement sustainable safety measures instead of temporary arrangements that fail to guarantee student security.
Special Inspection Drive Across Major Coaching Hubs
As an immediate measure, the Delhi government has ordered a massive inspection campaign in some of the city’s largest coaching clusters.
The inspection drive will cover major educational centres, including Mukherjee Nagar, Rajender Nagar and Katwaria Sarai, which collectively accommodate thousands of aspirants from across the country.
Joint teams comprising officials from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Fire Service and DDMA will conduct detailed inspections.
The inspections will focus on:
- Fire safety systems and equipment
- Structural integrity of buildings
- Emergency evacuation arrangements
- Occupancy limits and crowd management
- Compliance with municipal regulations
- Availability of mandatory approvals and certifications
- Adherence to government and judicial guidelines
Officials have been instructed to immediately identify institutions violating safety norms and initiate necessary action.
Database of 923 Coaching Centres to Strengthen Monitoring
To ensure efficient implementation of the drive, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will provide inspection teams with data related to 923 coaching centres that have already been surveyed across the city.
The government believes that using a centralised database will improve coordination among departments and help authorities prioritise institutions requiring urgent intervention.
The data-driven approach is also expected to improve transparency and strengthen administrative accountability.
Strict Action Against Institutions Violating Rules
The Delhi government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards institutions that fail to comply with prescribed safety standards.
Ashish Sood directed all concerned agencies, including Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Police, to initiate strict legal and administrative action against coaching centres found operating in violation of regulations. The government has also introduced a daily monitoring mechanism to track enforcement activities.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has been instructed to submit a daily Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Minister’s Office detailing inspections, notices issued and compliance measures undertaken.
This step is aimed at ensuring that enforcement efforts remain continuous and effective.
New Regulatory Framework in the Works
Beyond immediate inspections, the Delhi government is preparing long-term reforms to regulate the coaching industry.
The Directorate of Higher Education is currently drafting a comprehensive regulatory framework for coaching institutes operating in Delhi.
The proposed framework is expected to address existing systemic gaps and establish a transparent system of governance.
The Framework will Likely Focus On:
- Strengthening accountability of coaching operators
- Introducing uniform safety standards
- Improving infrastructure requirements
- Enhancing transparency in operations
- Establishing regular inspection mechanisms
- Protecting students’ interests and welfare
Officials said the draft framework will be submitted to the government shortly.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Students
Reiterating the government’s position, Ashish Sood said that protecting students and securing their future remains a fundamental responsibility.
“The Delhi Government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests and future of students. No institution will be allowed to compromise with student safety. Those violating prescribed norms will face strict and decisive action,” he said.
The latest initiative marks one of Delhi’s most significant efforts to bring greater accountability to the coaching industry. With thousands of students relying on these institutions every year, the government hopes the combination of strict inspections and a new regulatory framework will create a safer, more transparent and student-centric educational environment across the national capital.
