SriRam IAS coaching centre in Delhi found itself at the centre of controversy after a social media post sparked outrage among students protesting the deaths of three civil service aspirants. The tragedy occurred in the flooded basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle on Saturday night.
SriRam’s initial post, since deleted, read, “We express our solidarity with the ORN Aspirants. It’s time for soul searching on the part of everyone. Remember, you should not be a part of the HERD so that you are HEARD.” Protesters slammed the statement, calling it “apathetic and mocking.”
Hours later, SriRam IAS issued a clarification, stating that their previous message was “misunderstood.” The clarification read, “We intended to express that you are on a historic path. To drive meaningful change in society, it’s crucial to step away from the conventional and carve out your own unique path. Stand out and be HEARD. We are with you.”
However, the clarification did little to quell the anger online. Netizens bombarded SriRam’s social media with criticism, labelling the initial post “disgusting, shameless, and evil.” Many pointed out the hypocrisy of the institute’s statement considering the lack of safety measures in its own facilities and the vast wealth amassed by the coaching industry.
Amidst the controversy, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) took action, sealing the basements of 13 civil services coaching institutes. This move came after it was revealed that Rau’s IAS Study Circle, where the tragedy occurred, operated its basement library without the necessary fire clearance and building permits. Despite the property owner having the required documents, using the basement for anything other than parking and storage violated building bylaws. The building owner and the coaching institute’s coordinator were taken into police custody.
Authorities are examining CCTV footage to determine how the basement flooded so quickly. The incident has brought to light the lack of safety regulations within the coaching industry and the dangers faced by aspiring civil servants in their pursuit of a career in public service. The controversy has also sparked a broader conversation about the pressure and exploitation faced by students within the highly competitive coaching ecosystem.
