Delhi’s crackdown on basement coaching centers and libraries has left thousands of UPSC aspirants in distress as they prepare for the upcoming exam.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) recently shut down coaching centers, rental houses, and libraries operating from basements in key areas such as Old Rajinder Nagar, Patel Nagar, and Mukherjee Nagar. This action, intended to address safety concerns following several tragic incidents, has sparked widespread protests among aspirants demanding better facilities and improved living conditions.
Disruptions in Preparation
With the UPSC Main exams scheduled for September 20, many students find themselves caught between joining the protests and continuing their studies. Rohit Kumar, a 23-year-old from Samastipur, Bihar, who has been living in Old Rajinder Nagar for 15 months, is concerned about his preparation. “The Mains require extensive practice with mock tests, which has become difficult with classes suspended and limited library access,” he says.
Students who relied on basement libraries are now struggling with the sudden increase in fees and the lack of interaction opportunities with fellow aspirants. “I used to study in a basement library, which allowed me to interact with other students. Now, with libraries hiked from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000, it’s become unaffordable,” Kumar adds.
Online Alternatives and Financial Burden
As physical resources dwindle, some coaching centers are offering online assistance. However, Shivam Yadav from Ashoknagar District, MP, expresses concern about the limitations of online test series. “With the exam in a pen-and-paper format, online resources cannot fully substitute for mock tests and practice sessions,” he notes.
Students are also facing financial burdens due to increased costs. Vivek Chauhan, 26, from Shamli, UP, laments that his preparation time has been drastically reduced due to cramped living conditions and higher costs for library access. “The sudden closure of basement libraries has forced many of us to pay extra for the few remaining libraries, which has exacerbated the financial strain,” he explains.
Economic Impact and Infrastructure Issues
The infrastructure in these localities has long been criticized for its poor condition. Ravi Kapoor, a former IRS officer and UPSC mentor, highlights the unregulated market that drives up prices despite attempts to improve conditions. “The market is highly unregulated, and while there are efforts to address safety, the prices are likely to rise,” he says.
Lack of Refunds and Alternatives
Many students are seeking refunds for coaching and library fees due to the disruptions. However, no official clarification has been provided regarding the resumption of classes or fee reimbursements. Swarnim Saini from Saharanpur, UP, reports that some centers have instructed students to relocate without offering refunds. “Coaching centers have refused to refund fees and are pushing students to continue classes elsewhere,” he says.
Conclusion
The recent measures by the MCD have highlighted significant challenges faced by UPSC aspirants. While intended to address safety concerns, the impact on students’ preparation and financial stability cannot be overlooked. As the exam date approaches, aspirants continue to navigate the difficulties posed by these disruptions, hoping for timely solutions and support from coaching centers and authorities.
