A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, seeking a re-framing of guidelines for coaching institutes in India, with a particular emphasis on criminal liability and student safety.
The PIL highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations to curb issues such as fraud, exploitation, and unsafe conditions within these institutions, which have become increasingly prevalent in the education system.
The petitioner has called on the court to direct the Centre and the Delhi Government to establish clear and specific rules for the operation of paying guest (PG) accommodations, particularly for students in Delhi and across the country.
The plea emphasises that these accommodations must be made safe, regulated, and suitable for students, who often live far from home to pursue their education. This is especially important in areas like Delhi, where a high concentration of students from different parts of the country live in PG accommodations while preparing for various entrance exams.
The PIL also advocates for a broader reformation of the education system. It argues that the current focus on preparing students solely for entrance examinations has led to a decline in the overall quality of education in schools and colleges.
The plea suggests a shift in emphasis towards the holistic development of students, which would include nurturing their intellectual, emotional, and social growth rather than just their ability to pass exams. This broader approach to education is seen as essential for the personal and professional success of students in the long run.
According to the plea, the existing educational environment in Delhi, and indeed across India, has become increasingly dominated by coaching institutes. These institutes often charge exorbitant fees, which many students and their families feel compelled to pay in order to secure a place in a good college or university.
The plea argues that this situation has been exacerbated by a lack of affordable and safe housing options for students, particularly in cities like Delhi, where demand for such accommodations is high.
The petition asserts that the government's failure to provide adequate, safe, and affordable housing has had a detrimental impact on students' overall development and well-being.
The petition, filed through Advocate Rudra Vikram Singh, highlights the tragic consequences of this situation, pointing to recent incidents in Delhi, including the death of three students in Rajendra Nagar due to negligence by a coaching institute.
Such incidents underscore the dire conditions faced by students living in PG accommodations, many of which are poorly regulated and inadequately maintained. The petition argues that these tragedies could have been avoided if stricter regulations had been in place and properly enforced.
The plea also references the efforts of the NGO Kutumb, which has been actively advocating for the rights and safety of students. Kutumb had previously drawn attention to the tragic deaths of UPSC aspirants in Rajinder Nagar and called for the formation of a high-level expert committee to address these issues.
The current petition builds on these earlier efforts by seeking comprehensive reforms that would not only regulate coaching institutes and PG accommodations more effectively but also ensure that the education system as a whole is reoriented towards the holistic development of students.
In its final appeal, the petition urges the court to enforce existing guidelines and create new, more effective regulations to ensure that students are not exploited by coaching institutes or PG accommodation providers.
The plea argues that the government's current measures are insufficient and calls for more rigorous enforcement to protect the safety and well-being of students, particularly those who are vulnerable to exploitation due to their dependence on these institutions for their education and accommodation.
The PIL represents a significant step towards addressing the systemic issues that have plagued India's education system for years. If successful, it could lead to meaningful changes that would benefit millions of students across the country, ensuring that they receive a quality education in a safe and supportive environment.
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