UPSC Coaching Institutes Offer Compensation Amid Protests Over Tragic Deaths

Several UPSC coaching institutes have offered financial compensation and support to the families of three IAS aspirants who tragically died, as protesters accuse the institutes of gimmicks to pacify the issue. The MCD's sealing of multiple basements for commercial violations has further exacerbated the situation.

Several UPSC coaching institutes, including Vajiram and Ravi, Drishti IAS, NEXT IAS, and SRIRAM's IAS, have each offered Rs 10 lakh to the families of Shreya Yadav, Tanya Soni, and Nevin Dalvin, who tragically died after rainwater flooded the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle on July 27.

Drishti IAS and SRIRAM's IAS have also extended compensation to Nilesh Rai, another UPSC aspirant electrocuted on July 22. However, protesting civil services aspirants labeled these compensations as mere gimmicks to deflect the issue. The deaths prompted the MCD to seal several coaching centre basements, citing violations of building bye-laws.

In response, Vajiram and Ravi offered free enrollment to Rau's IAS students for upcoming exams as a gesture of solidarity. Sriram's IAS and NEXT IAS also provided free access to their facilities and curriculum support. Drishti IAS echoed similar sentiments, offering free classes and Rs 10 lakh to the bereaved families.

Rau's IAS faculty announced the resumption of online classes from August 5. The coaching hub in Old Rajinder Nagar remains a protest epicentre, with students accusing the institutes of prioritizing their business interests over genuine sympathy. The MCD's sealing of basement libraries exacerbates the issue, complicating the study environment for many aspirants. Political and civic leaders have since visited the site to address the protesters' concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)