Capital to frame new rules for coaching centres: Sood

The Delhi Government has initiated the process of framing a comprehensive regulatory framework for coaching institutes across the national Capital, with Education Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday chairing a high-level meeting to prepare a policy aimed at ensuring student safety, institutional accountability, and improved academic standards.

The move comes nearly two years after the tragic 2024 incident at a coaching centre in Old Rajendra Nagar, where students lost their lives due to serious infrastructure deficiencies, including flooding and unsafe basement facilities. The incident had triggered widespread concern over the functioning and regulation of coaching institutes in Delhi, leading to judicial scrutiny and administrative review.

Following the tragedy, the Delhi High Court constituted a high-level committee headed by retired Justice RK Gauba to examine safety vulnerabilities in coaching hubs and recommend corrective measures. The committee has since submitted its report, identifying systemic shortcomings and proposing a stronger framework for monitoring and regulating coaching institutions.

Acting on those recommendations, the Delhi Government convened a convergence meeting at the Delhi Secretariat attended by senior officials from key departments and agencies. Representatives from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the Directorate of Higher Education, the Labour Department, the Health Department, and the Urban Development Department participated in the discussions.

During the meeting, Ashish Sood said the government is treating the issue of coaching institutes with utmost seriousness and is committed to creating a safe and transparent environment for students who come to Delhi from across the country in pursuit of higher education and competitive examination preparation.

A major decision taken during the meeting was the appointment of the Director of Higher Education as the nodal officer for drafting the proposed policy. The government also decided to constitute a multidisciplinary committee that will prepare detailed guidelines governing the operation of coaching institutes in Delhi.

According to officials, the proposed framework will cover a wide range of issues, including fee regulation, student safety, infrastructure standards, building compliance, fire safety measures, and emergency preparedness. The policy will also focus on mental health support systems and counselling services for students, many of whom face significant academic pressure while preparing for competitive examinations.

The proposed guidelines will additionally address the welfare of teachers and staff members working in coaching institutes. Standardisation of working conditions and mechanisms for protecting employee rights are expected to form part of the policy framework.

Another important component of the proposed regulations will be the establishment of grievance redressal mechanisms for both students and coaching institute employees. Authorities are also planning a system of periodic inspections and compliance monitoring to ensure institutions adhere to prescribed standards.

Officials said the initiative represents a shift from the existing fragmented oversight system towards a coordinated academic and regulatory structure. At present, different aspects of coaching institutes are monitored by separate civic and administrative agencies, often leading to gaps in enforcement and accountability.