Coaching centre booked for flouting disaster management orders

A private coaching centre in Shimla has been booked for violating orders issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, by conducting classes despite a government directive to keep all educational institutions and coaching centres closed till September 7 in view of heavy rainfall and adverse weather.

According to reports, Aakash Institute, located in Sanjauli, was found holding classes in defiance of the closure orders. Acting on inputs received through social media, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap directed ADM (Law & Order) Pankaj Sharma and Tehsildar Apoorav Sharma to inspect the premises.

The team reached the institute at 10.10 am on Saturday and discovered classes were in progress. They collected evidence on the spot, including photographs, videos, and text messages sent by the institute to students. During questioning, Rajesh Kumar, the institute’s Operations Head, claimed the classes were meant only for hostel residents. However, several students present were not hostel residents, contradicting the claim.

Based on the interim inspection report, the DC instructed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shimla to register a case against the institute. Accordingly, an FIR was lodged for violation of government orders.

The DC reiterated that strict action would be taken against any institution found defying disaster management directives. He also urged residents to promptly report such violations to the administration or police to ensure swift action.

With continuous heavy rainfall disrupting normal life in Himachal Pradesh, authorities have stressed the need for strict compliance with closure orders to ensure public safety.