Patna: The recent deaths of three IAS aspirants due to waterlogging in the basement of a coaching institute in Delhi have sparked concern about safety norms in educational institutions. This issue resonates strongly in Patna, where students preparing for various competitive exams are compelled to face risky conditions.
In Patna, private coaching has become a booming industry, drawing aspirants from all over the state who dream of becoming IAS officers, doctors, engineers or securing govt jobs.Areas such as Bhikhna Pahari, Boring Road, Kankarbagh and Dak Bungalow are particularly dense with coaching institutes. However, many of these centres operate from unsuitable locations, including small residential buildings, parking lots, cramped lanes and rooftops covered with tin shades.

A major concern is the operation of these coaching institutes without proper registration and in violation of safety norms, including building bylaws and fire safety regulations. Sachin Ahir, a resident of Musallahpur Haat, where over a hundred coaching institutes are located, expressed frustration with the lack of safety measures.
“What safety and precautions? Most of these institutes are business-oriented with the motive to mint money,” Ahir said highlighting the dire conditions students endure, such as overcrowded classrooms and inadequate space, often forcing them to stand near windows or balconies.
“Several institutes hold their classes in basements and waterlogging is a known issue in this part of the city, which poses a risk for students. The local civic body should be held accountable as well. They focus on VIP areas, ignoring places where common people live. If the local body had done its job in Delhi, the tragedy might have been prevented,” Ahir added.
Ajit Kumar, who works at a well-known coaching institute in Patna, said while larger institutes may follow regulations, many smaller, unregistered ones violate safety norms. “I can confidently say that over 50% of the coaching institutes in Patna are unregistered. Regarding fire safety, many classrooms lack proper fire extinguishers. Those that do have them often only display them for show,” Kumar said. He pointed to a cart carrying over a dozen fire extinguishers, which were being delivered to a nearby institute after the district administration mandated physical inspections. “These are being installed now because of the recent announcement from the district administration,” Kumar added.
His colleague, Ranjeet Kumar, raised concerns about the chaotic scenes on roads after classes end. “There are times when it resembles a stampede. Thousands of students exit from one classroom, causing the roads to become jam-packed with autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and bicycles. The administration should address this issue,” he said.
Students also complained about traffic problems and waterlogging during the rainy season. D D Yadav, an aspirant from Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh, described the challenges faced daily. “Waterlogging is a major issue during the rainy season. We wade through knee-deep water to reach our institute, risking encounters with open manholes and the danger of electrocution. Classes are even held in basements. What if a situation like Delhi’s happens here? Who will be held responsible — the municipal corporation, the coaching institutes or the students?”
Akansha Kumari from West Champara, who is preparing for civil services in Patna, said the Delhi incident has become a major topic of discussion among students and their parents. “The tragic incident in Delhi has frightened us all. Even today, students and teachers were talking about it. It has caused a great deal of anxiety among us,” Kumari said. Her friend Richa, who is also preparing for the UPSC exams in Patna, echoed this sentiment, saying the Delhi tragedy has made everyone apprehensive about their own safety.