Fee Surge Shocks Civil Services Aspirants Post MCD Crackdown

Civil services aspirants in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, are facing doubled fees at licensed libraries after the MCD clamped down on illegal coaching centre basements. The action follows a tragic incident where three aspirants died in a flooded basement. Students now pay between Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000.

Civil services aspirants have voiced concerns over a steep hike in library fees in Old Rajinder Nagar and surrounding areas. The increase follows a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) crackdown on commercial uses of basements, including libraries, in response to a recent tragedy.

The MCD action was prompted by the deaths of three civil services aspirants in a flooded basement library last Saturday. The basement was illegally used for commercial purposes, spurring the civic body's enforcement measures.

"Library owners, who used to charge Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per month, have now doubled the fees with limited options for students," stated Pankaj, a UPSC aspirant. Aspirants now face fees of Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000, even in adjoining areas like Patel Nagar.

(With inputs from agencies.)