Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths: High Court Slams “Freebie Culture”, Blames Infrastructure Neglect

The tragic deaths of students at a Delhi coaching centre in November 2023 have ignited a firestorm of outrage and scrutiny, prompting a scathing indictment from the Delhi High Court against the government’s “freebie culture” and its neglect of critical infrastructure.

The incident, which claimed the lives of seven young students, was a stark reminder of the perilous conditions faced by millions of aspiring students in India’s bustling coaching centre hubs. The building, located in the crowded area of Mukherjee Nagar, lacked basic safety measures, including fire escapes and adequate emergency exits.

The High Court, in its damning observations, pointed a finger at the government’s penchant for “freebies” while neglecting essential services like infrastructure development. It highlighted the financial crunch faced by civic bodies, a direct consequence of the government’s excessive spending on populist schemes.

The High Court’s Sharp Rebuke:

“The Delhi High Court slammed the government’s “freebie culture,” saying that it was directly impacting the civic bodies’ ability to invest in basic infrastructure like fire safety measures and emergency exits. The court emphasized that while the government is busy doling out freebies, basic services like infrastructure are being neglected, putting lives at risk.”

The Freebie Culture – A Growing Concern:

The term “freebie culture” refers to the practice of governments offering freebies and subsidies to voters during elections. While such measures might seem appealing, they often lead to unsustainable financial burdens and a neglect of essential public services.

This practice has been widely criticized by economists and political analysts. They argue that it encourages a cycle of dependence on government handouts, discourages investment in productive activities, and ultimately leads to economic instability.

Data Points:

• The Delhi government’s freebie schemes, including free water and electricity, have cost the state government over ₹10,000 crore in the last five years. (Source: Delhi government budget documents)**

• The Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) has faced a severe budget crunch in recent years, leading to a decline in its ability to maintain and upgrade infrastructure. (Source: DMC financial reports)**

The Plight of Coaching Centres in Delhi:

The tragic incident at the Mukherjee Nagar coaching centre is not an isolated case. Thousands of coaching centres in Delhi operate in similar precarious conditions, often crammed in dilapidated buildings with inadequate fire safety measures. The pressure to find affordable spaces, coupled with the neglect of civic authorities, has created a dangerous environment for students.

Impact on Aspirational Students:

For millions of aspiring students in India, coaching centres play a crucial role in their journey towards higher education and a better future. They rely on these institutions for guidance, mentorship, and specialized training. However, the lack of safety and security in these centers puts their dreams and aspirations at risk.

The Need for Urgent Action:

The Delhi High Court’s observations have served as a wake-up call for the government and all stakeholders involved. It is imperative that immediate and concrete steps are taken to address the issues of infrastructure neglect and the “freebie culture” that is hindering the development of essential services.

Key Actions Required:

• Prioritize Infrastructure Development: Allocate sufficient funds for the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure, including fire safety measures and emergency exits in buildings.

• Curb Freebie Culture: Implement stringent regulations to curb excessive spending on populist schemes and ensure that funds are allocated to essential services.

• Improve Regulation of Coaching Centres: Strengthen the regulatory framework for coaching centres to ensure compliance with safety standards and building codes.

• Create Awareness: Raise awareness among students and parents about the importance of safety in coaching centres and encourage them to demand accountability from the authorities.

Conclusion:

The Delhi coaching centre tragedy is a stark reminder that the pursuit of dreams should not come at the cost of safety. The government’s focus on “freebies” while neglecting essential infrastructure is a dangerous and unsustainable path. Urgent action is required to address the systemic issues that led to this tragedy and to ensure that our students can pursue their aspirations in a safe and secure environment.