Delhi coaching centre regulations: New rules on fees, safety and basements

Delhi is preparing a stricter regulatory framework for coaching centres after the 2024 Old Rajinder Nagar basement flooding. The proposed rules seek to tighten safety, fees and infrastructure standards across the capital's coaching hubs.

In Short

• Mandatory registration is likely for all coaching institutes across Delhi
• Fire clearances, building approvals and emergency exits may become compulsory norms
• The policy may regulate fees, refunds, batch sizes, sanitation and first aid

The Delhi government is moving towards a strict regulatory framework for coaching centres following the 2024 Old Rajinder Nagar tragedy, where basement flooding led to the death of several students.

The incident exposed gaps in safety enforcement across the capital’s coaching hubs and triggered widespread demands for accountability.

Officials say the new policy is being designed to ensure such lapses do not repeat, especially in areas that see heavy student movement from across the country.

REGISTRATION, SAFETY AND STRUCTURE UNDER ONE ROOF

Under the proposed framework, all coaching institutes may be required to register with the government before operating.

This registration is expected to be linked with mandatory compliance measures, including fire safety certificates, building stability approval and clearly marked emergency exits.

The plan also includes tighter rules on the use of basements, which have been a long-standing concern in densely packed coaching districts. Authorities are also looking at creating a single system where multiple departments jointly monitor compliance instead of fragmented checks.

FEES, CLASS SIZE AND BASIC FACILITIES UNDER REVIEW

Beyond safety, the policy is expected to bring coaching operations under clearer financial and operational rules. Officials are considering guidelines for fee structures, refund policies and limits on batch sizes to prevent overcrowding.

Basic facilities such as drinking water, clean washrooms and first-aid support are also likely to become mandatory requirements. The aim is to create minimum service standards so that students, many of whom pay high fees, receive a safer and more structured learning environment.

ENFORCEMENT CHALLENGE AND REALITY CHECK

Even as the policy takes shape, officials acknowledge that enforcement will be the biggest hurdle. Many coaching centres still operate in congested buildings with narrow exits and limited ventilation, particularly in areas like Mukherjee Nagar, Laxmi Nagar and Old Rajinder Nagar.

Parents and students have repeatedly raised concerns that safety norms are often overlooked in the race for higher enrolment. Experts say that without regular inspections and strict penalties, even well-drafted rules may have limited impact.

The government is now working on coordination between agencies such as MCD, Delhi Fire Service, Police and urban development bodies to ensure continuous monitoring rather than one-time checks.

If implemented effectively, the framework could make Delhi the first city in India with a dedicated and comprehensive law for coaching institutes, setting a benchmark for other states to follow in the future.

- Ends