Kanpur: After a massive fire in a commercial building in Lucknow, questions have been raised on the security arrangements of coaching institutes in Uttar Pradesh. In view of this, Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) conducted a comprehensive investigation campaign in Kakadev, the largest coaching center of the city. During the investigation, 22 coaching institutes including Physics were sealed after violations of building construction rules and fire safety standards were found. Officials say that this action has been taken keeping in mind the safety of the students and the inspection campaign will continue in future also.
Why was the special campaign started?
This action was started in Kanpur after the tragic fire incident in Lucknow, in which many people lost their lives. The accident forced the administration to think that the security arrangements of a large number of coaching institutes and commercial buildings running in the cities should be seriously examined. After this, KDA started a special inspection campaign giving priority to Kakadev area.
Due to which lapses were the institutions sealed?
During the investigation, irregularities like non-adherence to fire safety standards, violation of building use rules and lack of necessary approvals came to light in many institutions. Officials found that some establishments were not operating as per the prescribed safety standards. After this, the concerned institutions were evacuated and sealing action was taken.
Who came under the scanner of the action?
Famous coaching institutes like Physics Workspace, Mahendra, and Chemistry Sanjeev Rathore are also included in the KDA action. The administration says that no institution will be given exemption on the basis of its name or popularity. Wherever violation of rules is found, similar action will be taken.
Can the blame fall on more institutions in the future?
According to authority officials, this campaign is only the initial phase. Many other coaching institutes and business establishments are currently being investigated. Strict action, including sealing, will be taken against those institutions where security standards are found ignored. The administration has made it clear that compromise on security will not be accepted at any cost.
Are questions being raised on the role of administration also?
After the action, local people have also raised questions on the functioning of the administration. He says that many coaching institutes were operating in the city for years without adequate security arrangements, but regular inspections were not conducted. Citizens allege that often the department becomes active only after a major accident and then after running a campaign for some time, the matter is put on hold.
Will permanent arrangements be made for the safety of students?
Experts believe that merely running a sealing campaign will not be enough. A regular security audit system of coaching institutes, schools and commercial buildings will have to be developed. If fire safety, emergency evacuation routes and building standards are reviewed from time to time, possible accidents can be prevented. At present, this action taken in Kanpur is being seen as a warning for the coaching industry of the entire state.
