Drishti IAS Owner Vikas Divyakirti Says, ‘I’m Being Targeted Due to Recent Basement Deaths Controversy’

The Delhi civic body has intensified its crackdown on coaching institutes for violating regulations following the tragic deaths of three IAS aspirants due to waterlogging and flooding in the basement of an IAS coaching centre in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar. The incident occurred at Rau’s Study Circle on Saturday evening, following heavy rains.

Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, founder and Managing Director of Drishti IAS, has highlighted the regulatory hurdles faced by coaching institutes in the national capital. He pointed out that among the more than 1,000 coaching institutions in Delhi, none possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department. The problem, he explained, stems from conflicting requirements: the fire department demands a commercial certificate for the building, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) insists on an educational certificate.

“The fire department argues that since the building is commercial, the certificate should be for commercial purposes,” Divyakirti said in an interview with ANI. “The MCD, on the other hand, demands an educational certificate. To my knowledge, not even one educational institution has an educational building certificate. Only colleges, schools, and universities are issued such certificates.”

Divyakirti elaborated on the complexities during a meeting with Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor and various officials from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), MCD, the fire department, and the Chief Secretary. He stated, “When we ask for the certificate from the fire department, they direct us to approach the MCD or DDA. The fire department has promised to streamline the process for obtaining the certificate directly from them. However, even with the certificate, it is labeled for commercial purposes, which conflicts with MCD’s requirements for educational institutions.”

The crackdown has led to the sealing of basements in several coaching institutes across Delhi, which the MCD has deemed as “illegally run establishments.” Divyakirti defended the use of basements, comparing them to other commercial spaces like malls and the Delhi Metro. “We completely agree that basements should be properly sealed,” he said. “But it is worth noting that Delhi Metro runs in the basement, and many large shopping complexes are located in basements.”

Addressing the controversy surrounding his institute, Divyakirti asserted that the focus should be on ensuring safety rather than finding scapegoats. “I am being targeted because, in such cases, everyone wants a scapegoat to simplify matters for the administration. It gives the impression that action is being taken, while the real issues remain unaddressed.”

He also addressed criticisms about his delayed response, explaining that he is naturally reserved. “This is my nature; I am not very expressive. The death of three children is a tragic and painful event. I have been deeply affected by it, and I understand the valid concerns of the students protesting. I assure you that if we receive permission to operate in the future, we will not run any coaching institutes in the basement.”

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