Uttar Pradesh Cracks Down on Unsafe Coaching Centres After Fire Tragedy
Following a devastating fire in Lucknow that claimed 15 lives, Uttar Pradesh authorities have intensified a statewide drive against coaching centres and other institutions violating safety norms. On Wednesday, fresh inspections were conducted in the state capital, and several institutes were sealed in Mathura and Aligarh.
In Lucknow, a joint team comprising the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), fire department, and electricity department inspected coaching institutes in the Aliganj-Kapoorthala area. Officials reported deficiencies in safety standards at several centres, leading to the sealing of at least half a dozen coaching institutes. Property owners were asked to produce approved building maps and other documents, while notices were issued to institutes that failed to comply. Authorities directed all coaching operators to ensure adherence to fire safety measures and building regulations, warning of further action against violators.
The crackdown follows a special campaign launched by the state government after the Lucknow fire tragedy, targeting illegal coaching centres and those flouting safety norms. In Mathura, district authorities sealed more than two dozen coaching centres, libraries, hotels, and guest houses operating in violation of safety and regulatory norms. City Magistrate Anupam Mishra stated that the action targeted institutions operating from basements and underground premises without adequate safety measures, approved building plans, or mandatory registrations. Many establishments lacked fire-fighting equipment and emergency arrangements, while some were operating without registration. Notices were issued directing them to furnish documents related to registration, operation, and no-objection certificates. Records from the District Inspector of Schools showed that only 57 of nearly 300 coaching centres in Mathura were registered, and authorities vowed to continue action against unauthorised institutions.
In Aligarh, District Magistrate Avinash Kumar announced the formation of a unified fire safety central committee to audit fire safety compliance in schools, coaching centres, libraries, malls, cinema halls, hospitals, and multi-storey buildings. Inspections of registered coaching centres and libraries over the past 48 hours led to the closure of a coaching institute operating without mandatory registration. The committee will hold monthly review meetings and recommend action against violators.
On Tuesday, authorities across Uttar Pradesh sealed dozens of coaching centres and issued notices to institutions found violating safety norms. Action was reported from districts including Prayagraj, Kanpur, Deoria, Jaunpur, Mau, Moradabad, Amroha, and Etah. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said all district magistrates had been directed to conduct comprehensive surveys of coaching institutes and ensure strict action against those operating without registration under the Uttar Pradesh Coaching Regulation Act, 2002. The state government has also initiated a broader review of illegal buildings, basement establishments, and multi-storey structures housing coaching centres, hotels, hospitals, and gyms following the Lucknow fire tragedy.
