Rajya Sabha to Debate Tragic Deaths of UPSC Aspirants Amid Growing Concerns Over Coaching Centres

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar has agreed to hold a discussion on the recent deaths of three UPSC aspirants at a Delhi coaching centre, highlighting concerns over the commercialisation of coaching services. The incident has sparked political debates and calls for stricter regulations and justice for the victims.

Agreeing to discuss the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants at a coaching centre in Delhi, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar emphasized on Monday the commercialisation of coaching. This decision follows Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal's notice requesting a discussion on the incident.

Dhankar expressed concerns about the demographic dividend, stating, "Coaching has become virtually commerce... this silo is turning out to be a problem." He announced a short duration discussion under Rules 176 or a calling attention U/R 180, pending consultations with party leaders.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju consented to an urgent discussion under Rule 267, though opposition parties were resistant. In Lok Sabha, Congress' KC Venugopal addressed student suicides and the pressure on students, asking if the government will intervene in the coaching centre issue. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan affirmed the issuance of guidelines for coaching centres in January 2024, underscoring the government's commitment to student welfare.

Swati Maliwal filed for a Rajya Sabha discussion on the incident, seeking justice and compensation for the victims' families. On July 27, three UPSC aspirants died in a flooded basement of a coaching centre in West Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar, prompting protests and a political blame game. The Delhi Police have made arrests connected to the incident.