In a swift follow-up to judicial warnings, the Rohtak administration today sent a strong message to the education industry by locking down three major coaching hubs found to be “death traps.”
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The Operation: A joint team of the Municipal Corporation, Fire Department, and District Revenue Officers conducted surprise inspections in the city’s coaching clusters. The centers were sealed on the spot after it was confirmed they were operating in basements without a single valid safety clearance.
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The High Court Mandate: The drive comes on the heels of the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Private Coaching Institutes Act, 2024, and recent High Court observations that termed basement-run institutes as hazardous. The court had directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure no coaching center operates without “meticulous compliance” with safety measures.
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Major Violations Found:
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Single Exit Points: The centers had only one narrow staircase for both entry and exit, making evacuation impossible in case of a fire.
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No Ventilation: The basements lacked proper exhaust systems, increasing the risk of smoke inhalation.
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Expired Equipment: Fire extinguishers found on the premises were either empty or past their expiry dates.
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Warning to Others: Deputy Commissioner Rohtak stated that this is only the beginning of a larger audit. “Education cannot come at the cost of life. Any institute failing to provide a Fire NOC and a ‘Safe Building’ certificate within the next week will face similar action,” an official warned.
