Over 100 Coaching Centres Face Action After Lucknow Fire
In a major crackdown following a blaze in Lucknow, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has taken action against more than 100 coaching centres for flouting safety norms. The move comes after a fire incident at a coaching centre in the city raised serious concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Details of the Crackdown
According to officials, the Lucknow district administration inspected over 200 coaching centres in the past week. Of these, more than 100 were found violating safety regulations, including the absence of fire NOCs (No Objection Certificates), inadequate fire extinguishers, blocked emergency exits, and lack of proper ventilation. The administration has issued show-cause notices to these centres and warned of closure if violations are not rectified immediately.
District Magistrate of Lucknow, Surya Pal Gangwar, said, "We have zero tolerance for safety lapses. Coaching centres must comply with all fire safety norms to ensure the safety of students. We will conduct regular inspections and strict action will be taken against defaulters."
Impact on Students and Parents
The crackdown has caused panic among students and parents, with many concerned about disruption in their academic schedules. However, officials have assured that the action is aimed at ensuring safety and not to disrupt education. Centres that comply with norms will be allowed to operate normally.
According to data from the district administration, over 50 coaching centres have already submitted compliance reports and are in the process of obtaining fire NOCs. The remaining centres have been given a week to address the violations.
Government's Stance on Safety
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all district magistrates to conduct similar inspections across the state. In a statement, he emphasized that student safety is paramount and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated. The government has also formed a task force to monitor compliance in coaching hubs like Kota, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
This incident has sparked a broader debate on the regulation of coaching centres, which have mushroomed across Uttar Pradesh with little oversight. Many centres operate from congested buildings without basic safety measures, putting thousands of students at risk.
Next Steps
The government plans to introduce stricter licensing norms for coaching centres, including mandatory fire safety audits every six months. A helpline has also been set up for students and parents to report safety concerns anonymously. The administration has warned that repeat offenders will face cancellation of their registration.
As of now, no casualties were reported in the Lucknow fire, but the incident has served as a wake-up call for authorities to enforce safety standards rigorously.
