New Delhi, 14 October (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted a surprise inspection of Mukherjee Nagar, one of the capital’s major educational and coaching hubs, on Tuesday evening. During the visit, she sat with students at a tea stall, listened to their grievances and held detailed discussions on issues related to education, accommodation, women’s safety and basic civic amenities. She directed the concerned officials to take the necessary steps to address the problems raised by the students.

During the inspection, students preparing for competitive examinations and those enrolled at various universities apprised the Chief Minister of the challenges they face. Their concerns included the shortage of affordable libraries, high rents and security deposits at paying guest (PG) accommodations, brokerage charges, drinking water, sanitation, street lighting, CCTV surveillance and the condition of public toilets.

Gupta said that young people who come to Delhi from different parts of the country to pursue their education are an integral part of the capital’s community. She emphasised that the government has a responsibility to provide them with adequate facilities, a safe environment and the necessary support to build a better future.

## Free Libraries and Affordable Accommodation

Students highlighted the shortage of affordable libraries in the area and said that frequent closures of existing facilities were disrupting their studies. In response, the Chief Minister directed officials to assess the condition of libraries, identify structural deficiencies and review compliance with safety standards.

She also asked the local MLA and officials to identify suitable vacant plots and available community buildings that could be used to establish free libraries for students.

The students also raised concerns about high rents, hefty security deposits and brokerage charges associated with PG accommodations. They explained that the shortage of hostel facilities left many of them dependent on private PG establishments and rented rooms. They also complained about cramped rooms, inadequate ventilation, the quality of food and disturbances caused by nearby construction work.

Gupta said the government was working on issues such as a PG accommodation policy and the availability of additional hostels to ensure that students had access to better-organised and more affordable housing facilities.

## Focus on Women’s Safety and Public Amenities

Female students raised concerns about their safety while commuting during the evening, particularly in areas with inadequate street lighting. The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials and police representatives to review the condition of streetlights and CCTV cameras and take corrective measures wherever necessary.

She also instructed the police to take action in accordance with the law following complaints about vehicles fitted with dark window films in violation of applicable rules.

Gupta directed officials to renovate a long-closed public toilet into a pink toilet for women and make it operational at the earliest. She also stressed the need to ensure the availability and regular maintenance of public toilets, asking officials to identify suitable locations for additional toilet blocks wherever required.

Students living in Mukherjee Nagar, Nehru Vihar and adjoining residential colonies complained about accumulated garbage, unhygienic lanes and foul odours. The Chief Minister instructed officials to conduct regular inspections and ensure that sanitation measures covered not only main roads but also narrow lanes and residential neighbourhoods.

## Drinking Water Quality and Noise Pollution

Students also expressed concern about the possibility of sewage water contaminating the drinking water supply during the monsoon. Gupta directed the concerned authorities to investigate the complaints and take the necessary steps to improve water quality and ensure a reliable supply of safe drinking water.

The students further complained that loudspeakers operating at high volumes late at night were affecting their studies. The Chief Minister said that the use of loudspeakers must comply with prescribed time restrictions and noise-control regulations. She urged students to report such violations to the appropriate authorities so that action could be taken in accordance with the law.

## Fire Safety at Coaching Centres and Libraries

Students also raised concerns about fire safety arrangements and emergency exit routes at coaching centres and libraries. In response, Gupta directed officials to inspect the suitability of buildings, the accessibility of evacuation routes and compliance with fire safety standards.

Emphasising that student safety must remain the highest priority, she said that all buildings used for educational activities must adhere to the applicable safety regulations.

## Students Are Integral to India’s Future: Chief Minister

Gupta said that young people living in Mukherjee Nagar, Nehru Vihar and neighbouring areas while pursuing their education and preparing for competitive examinations would play an important role in building a developed India. Many of them, she noted, aspire to become civil servants, doctors, engineers and professionals in other fields, contributing to the country’s future development.

She emphasised that providing students with quality educational facilities, safe surroundings and suitable accommodation was essential to their success.

The Chief Minister said the government was committed to creating an environment in which young people studying in Delhi could concentrate on their education without unnecessary difficulties and work towards achieving their academic and professional aspirations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar