After the incident of deaths in Old Rajendra Nagar Coaching Center, the governments of all the states have become alert. In view of this, the Delhi government on Wednesday issued necessary guidelines for the safety of school students. Let us tell you that in this incident that happened at Rau’s IAS Coaching Center, 3 candidates preparing for the UPSC exam died. The guideline said that the basement should be used only for permitted activities, as well as necessary steps should be taken to avoid waterlogging.

Delhi Master Plan will have to be followed

According to the guidelines issued by the Directorate of Education (DOE), schools – both private and government – will have to follow the provisions of the Delhi Master Plan, 2021 regarding the use of basements in public buildings. The school authorities will have to take all necessary steps at their level to avoid waterlogging in and around the school premises. Recently an unfortunate incident took place in the state in which 3 UPSC candidates drowned in the basement of a coaching institute and one candidate died due to electric shock.

Ensure safety of students
The circular states, “It is important that all Delhi government schools ensure the safety of students and provide proper infrastructure to avoid any untoward incident.” It has also been made mandatory in the guideline that the principals of the schools should see that if there is a basement in the school buildings, it will be used only for the activities permitted as per the provisions of the master plan and the approved plan.

Entry and exit gates should be open
The guideline also requires that the principals of the schools should see that if there is a basement in the school buildings, it will be used only for the activities permitted as per the provisions of the master plan and the approved plan. All gates of the school buildings should be functional and should be open for entry and exit gates. Access to the basement should be properly marked. Also, it should be clearly indicated in the school evacuation plan.

Corridors should be free of obstructions at all times
The circular states that all corridors should be free of obstructions at all times and smooth passage should be ensured. School corridors and staircases should be checked periodically for waterlogging and necessary action should be taken. It further states, “To avoid any untoward incident, equipment including electrical wires and fittings will be checked and all safety norms should be followed. All necessary fire safety measures will be taken in the school.