Coaching centre booked for flouting govt’s orders to keep educational institutions closed

A private coaching centre in Shimla has been booked for violating the orders issued under the Disaster Management Act 2005 by conducting classes, despite the state government’s order to keep all the educational institutions as well as coaching centres across the state closed till September 7 owing to continuous heavy rainfall and adverse weather.

According to reports, Aakash Institute, a private coaching centre in Sanjauli locality in Shimla was found to be flouting the orders and conducted offline classes despite the orders to keep the educational institutions and coaching centres closed.

Acting on reports received through social media, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap deputed ADM (Law & Order) Pankaj Sharma and tehsildar Apoorv Sharma to inspect the premises. The team reached the institute at around 10 am on Saturday and found classes were being conducted.

Evidence, including photographs, videos, and text messages sent by the institute to students regarding classes, was collected on the spot. During questioning, the institute’s Operations Head Rajesh Kumar claimed that classes were being held only for hostel residents. However, several students present at the premises were found not to be hostel residents.

Following the inspection, the team submitted a detailed interim report to the DC. On the basis of this report, he immediately instructed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Shimla, to register an FIR against the institute

The DC said that strict action will be taken in the district against any institution found defying the orders. He also appealed to the people to report any such violations immediately to the administration as well as the police for prompt action.