As clocks tick for UPSC Mains, civil service aspirants find devil in basement

Delhi Coaching Center Tragedy Sparks Ongoing Protests by UPSC aspirants

The protests by UPSC aspirants in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar over the deaths of three students in a coaching center basement have entered their seventh day. Three young lives were tragically cut short on July 27 when torrential rains flooded the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Delhi, claiming the lives of Shreya Yadav, Tanya Soni, and Nivin Dalwin.

Students are demanding answers about the exact number of casualties and accountability for the drainage system’s failure. They have been protesting for improved safety measures at coaching centers.

In response to the outrage, the Delhi High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the deaths, while Mayor Shelly Oberoi announced the establishment of four libraries in honor of the victims. Seven people, including the coaching center owner, have been arrested.

Delhi High Court Orders Overhaul Amidst Tragedy

In a scathing indictment of Delhi’s infrastructure and governance, the Delhi High Court on Friday ordered a CBI probe into the deaths of three civil service aspirants in a flooded basement. The court also directed the formation of a high-level committee to address the city’s systemic issues.

The court found severe flaws in Delhi’s administration, including:

• Outdated infrastructure: The city’s physical, financial, and administrative infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle its growing population and challenges.
• Financial crisis: The MCD is facing a severe financial crunch, hindering its ability to undertake essential projects.
• Governance issues: The absence of a standing committee in the MCD and delays in cabinet meetings have paralyzed decision-making.
• Poor drainage system: The MCD’s failure to maintain and improve the drainage system was a direct cause of the tragedy.

To rectify these issues, the court ordered:

• CBI investigation: A CBI probe to uncover the truth behind the deaths and potential corruption.
• High-level committee: A committee comprising the Delhi Chief Secretary, DDA VC, and Delhi Police Commissioner to address systemic problems.
• Drainage improvement: The MCD to improve the drainage system and remove encroachments.

The court expressed deep concern over the recurring nature of such tragedies and emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of Delhi’s administration and infrastructure.

Delhi Police cleared a protest site in Rajinder Nagar on July 31, removing individuals deemed as “outsiders.”

 The area has been the epicenter of demonstrations following the deaths of three civil service aspirants at Rau’s IAS Study Circle.

Police questioned Rau’s IAS Study Circle owner Abhishek Gupta about ownership rights of the coaching center and may summon his wife for further questioning.

Five individuals, including four co-owners of the basement housing the coaching center, have been arrested. Among them is the driver of an SUV that caused flooding, leading to the basement inundation. The SUV has been seized.

The tragic deaths of three students in a flooded basement library at Rau’s IAS Study Circle on July 27 exposed the perilous conditions under which many coaching institutes in Delhi operate. This incident sparked widespread outrage and protests, highlighting the city’s lax building regulations and safety standards.

Delhi has emerged as India’s premier destination for UPSC coaching, drawing aspiring civil servants from across the country.

A recent Lokniti-CSDS survey found that nearly six in ten students chose Delhi primarily for its renowned coaching institutes. Institutions like Chanakya IAS Academy, Rau’s IAS Study Circle, and Vajiram and Ravi have built strong reputations based on experienced faculty, comprehensive study materials, and structured learning programs. These factors contribute significantly to Delhi’s allure as a coaching hub.  

However, the incident at Rau’s underscores the dark side of this competitive environment. As the text continues, it will delve into the factors that make Delhi so attractive to UPSC aspirants, while also examining the risks and challenges associated with this pursuit.

Amidst the ongoing shock over the recent deaths of four UPSC aspirants in Delhi, a new tragedy has unfolded with the suicide of an aspiring civil servant. The deceased, Anjali from Maharashtra, left a poignant note expressing deep depression and the immense pressure of cracking the UPSC exam in her first attempt.

Her plea for euthanasia and demands for reforms in government exams and job creation reflect the growing despair among young people struggling to find their place in society. Anjali’s note also highlighted the exorbitant cost of living for students in Delhi, accusing PG owners of exploiting them.

The Delhi Police have initiated an investigation into the matter. As the city grapples with these successive tragedies, the mental health crisis among UPSC aspirants and the broader challenges faced by young India are increasingly coming to the fore.