Raipur Coaching Centres Safety Audit Finds Major Fire Safety Lapses at Four Institutes
Raipur: A joint inspection team comprising the Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC), Fire Department, and other concerned departments conducted a two-day safety and fire safety audit of major coaching institutes in the city, uncovering serious deficiencies at several establishments.
The inspection drive was carried out on June 23 and 24 under the directions of Raipur Collector Dr. Gaurav Kumar Singh and Municipal Commissioner Sambit Mishra. The exercise was launched amid growing concerns regarding student safety in educational institutions.
Officials inspected seven prominent coaching institutes, examining entry and exit arrangements, fire safety measures, Fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), availability of fire extinguishers, ventilation, electrical safety, staircase security, occupancy levels, and compliance with other prescribed safety norms.
According to officials, Unacademy, Vidyapeeth, and Allen were found to have most of the required safety measures in place. However, inspectors recommended improvements in ventilation and capacity management at some of these institutions.
In contrast, serious shortcomings were detected at Acadza, RCC Academy, Abha Library, and Tuteja Academy. The inspection team identified deficiencies related to Fire NOCs, fire safety infrastructure, emergency exits, ventilation, electrical safety, and other mandatory safety standards.
Expressing concern over the violations, the Fire Department recommended corrective action against institutions with significant shortcomings. Notices have been issued directing the concerned establishments to rectify the deficiencies within seven days.
The civic body has also instructed its zonal offices to verify building permissions, Building Completion Certificates (BCCs), approved occupancy capacities, parking provisions, and compliance with other statutory requirements, and to initiate action wherever violations are found.
The Raipur Municipal Corporation stated that student safety remains its top priority. A follow-up inspection will be conducted after the stipulated period to assess compliance. Institutions failing to implement the required measures will face further action as per the rules, officials said.
