By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Patna hosts a vast number of coaching institutes catering to students preparing for school exams, engineering, medical, and other competitive examinations. However, many of these institutes do not adhere to the standards set by the Bihar Coaching Rules 2023. In light of a recent accident in Delhi, the Patna DM has mandated inspections of all coaching institutes to verify compliance with these rules.
Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, Patna DM, revealed that approximately 3,000 coaching institutes are registered under the Bihar Coaching Rules 2023. However, it is believed that the actual number of operating institutes is higher, necessitating a thorough investigation.
“In response to the Delhi incident, we have formed six inspection teams led by SDOs to assess the coaching institutes in Patna. Our goal is not to shut down these institutes but to ensure they meet the required safety and operational standards,” stated the DM.
Patna has numerous coaching institutes attended by lakhs of students. The DM emphasized the importance of verifying whether these institutes comply with regulations and have necessary safety measures in place to handle any emergencies. The tragic incident in Delhi underscores the need for such precautions.
Two years ago, a similar investigation led to the closure of non-compliant coaching institutes. The current aim is to ensure that all coaching institutes operate according to the established standards. Non-compliant institutes will be sealed until they meet the required criteria.
According to the Bihar Coaching Rules 2023, classrooms in coaching institutes must be at least 300 square feet. Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and fire safety NOCs are mandatory. Additionally, all institutes must be registered with the Bihar government. The inspection teams will submit their reports within two weeks.
Following the tragic accident on July 27, where three students died due to rainwater flooding the basement of an IAS coaching institute in Delhi, the Patna district administration has ordered the inspection of around 20,000 coaching institutes. Six teams, led by SDOs, will ensure that these institutes comply with the Bihar Coaching Rules 2023.
The author is a Patna based journalist
