Supreme Court Calls for Uniform Standards to Safeguard Students in Coaching Centers

The Supreme Court emphasized the need for 'uniform standards' to enhance the safety and security of students in coaching centers. This follows the tragic deaths of three students due to flooding in a coaching center's basement in Delhi. The court is seeking comprehensive policy suggestions to prevent such incidents.

The Supreme Court on Monday underscored the necessity of implementing 'uniform standards' to bolster the safety of students enrolled in coaching centers. This initiative comes in response to the tragic deaths of three civil service aspirants, who drowned in a flooded basement library of a coaching center in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar in July.

During a hearing, the court was briefed by senior advocate Siddharth Dave on critical areas needing attention, including fire safety, fee regulation, space allocation, CCTV installation, and mental health support. Dave proposed involving all states in the matter and suggested permanent oversight for these institutions. The court requested input on a national policy for coaching centers, beginning with the National Capital Region.

The court has tasked authorities with formulating suggestions for a comprehensive policy, aiming to establish uniform safety measures across the NCR. Additionally, a Union government panel has been queried for its interim report on preventing similar tragedies, with an appeal for broader interventions at legislative, policy, and administrative levels.

(With inputs from agencies.)