Vikas Divyakirti, Head of Drishti IAS, Speaks on the Delhi Basement Tragedy
Vikas Divyakirti expressed that he would refrain from engaging in any unauthorized activities in Delhi.
New Delhi:
Following the fatalities of three UPSC aspirants due to inundation in the lower level of a tutoring center in Delhi, Dr Vikas Divyakirti, originator and MD of Drishti IAS stated that he would abstain from engaging in any unauthorized activities in Delhi and would operate solely in sanctioned structures.
During an exclusive conversation with ANI, Dr Divyakirti remarked, “In light of the recent mishap, I am fully cognizant that it was negligence. It never crossed our minds. I am conveying through your channel that if we receive authorization in the future, we will refrain from operating in the lower level.”
“We do not lease such structures that lack fire exits, ensuring that the lives of any child or staff member are not jeopardized under any circumstances. This is our intention. I misinterpreted; I extend my apologies to the entire nation and society for the error made and strive to prevent its recurrence in the future,” he expressed.
The occurrence transpired at Rau’s Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar on Saturday evening subsequent to heavy precipitation.
Dr Divyakirti mentioned that they have established a WhatsApp group and designated a senior officer to oversee the security of the building.
“We assigned a senior officer 1.5 years ago who solely monitors the building’s security. In January 2023, we established a WhatsApp group, and I am one of its members. The group’s responsibility is to examine 16 points: whether the doors are unlocked, the fire exit is unobstructed, there are no obstacles on it, and the roof doors are open so that students can be evacuated in case of an emergency,” he detailed.
He also asserted that each coaching center building in Delhi has a minimum of two exits.
“These 16 points are scrutinized daily…I invite you to conduct a survey and visit any of our branches in Delhi or outside; if any building lacks at least 2 exits, then I am accountable,” he appended.
Dr Divyakirti pledged that they will not operate any tutoring center in the lower level in the future.
He also contended that they devote considerable effort to building safety standards and underscored that every coaching center is equipped with a fire safety exit.
“I am guaranteeing you this. And I desire to ensure that no tutoring center operates in the lower level in New Delhi. And if it operates above the lower level, it must have a fire safety exit. I want to clarify one more thing. You may perceive it as a bold assertion. I am openly stating that with the level of dedication we invest in building safety standards, I am confident that you will not find it elsewhere…,” he articulated.
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