UP launches special drive against illegal coaching centres

Authorities across Uttar Pradesh have launched an unprecedented crackdown on coaching centres, libraries and other educational institutions, sealing dozens of establishments found violating fire safety and building regulations. The sweeping enforcement drive, led by district administrations, fire departments, development authorities and police teams, has exposed widespread non-compliance with safety norms, raising concerns about the condition of educational facilities frequented by thousands of students. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said that all district magistrates have been directed to conduct a detailed survey of coaching institutes operating in their districts and prepare a comprehensive list. Strict action, as per rules, is being ensured against institutions that are not registered under the Uttar Pradesh Coaching Regulation Act, 2002," Upadhyay said. The minister said that registered coaching institutes are also being inspected to ensure compliance with safety norms. Inspections cover building infrastructure, fire safety measures, electrical safety and other essential facilities. He warned that any negligence or irregularity would not be tolerated.
Officials found serious deficiencies in fire-fighting arrangements and building safety measures, prompting immediate sealing of the premises. At least six coaching institutes were sealed in Lucknow's Aliganj-Kapoorthala area alone, while several others were served notices for failing to produce approved building plans and mandatory documents.
In Mathura, district authorities launched a special enforcement drive after an emergency review meeting chaired by district magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh. More than two dozen establishments — including coaching centres, libraries, hotels and guest houses — were sealed. Officials said six coaching centres, four libraries and two hotels in Mathura, along with 16 guest houses in Vrindavan, were shut down for operating without adequate safety measures, approved building plans or mandatory registrations. Authorities also targeted institutions operating from basements and underground premises without proper safeguards.
In Gautam Buddha Nagar, authorities sealed nine coaching institutes for operating without valid registration and shut a hotel for failing to comply with fire safety requirements. Notices were also issued to 12 institutions over safety deficiencies. Officials said 66 establishments had been inspected since Tuesday, with further action underway against centres with non-compliant fire safety systems.District magistrates across the state are conducting special drives to identify unregistered institutes and ensure strict implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Coaching Regulation Act, 2002. Regular inspections are also being carried out in registered institutions to review student safety, basic facilities and administrative arrangements.