Shimla Coaching Centre Defies Closure Orders, FIR Lodged
Shimla: Even as Himachal reels under a disaster and the entire state has been declared disaster-affected, a coaching centre in Shimla chose to put business above lives.
In a brazen violation of the Deputy Commissioner’s order issued under the National Disaster Management Act (NDMA), Akash Coaching Institute at Sanjauli was found conducting classes on Saturday despite the blanket closure of all educational institutions in the district.
The DC had announced the shutdown of schools, colleges, and coaching centres after heavy rains, flash floods and frequent landslides left Himachal battered.
But defying the order, the institute kept its doors open, risking the lives of students when the hill capital is already under severe threat.
Taking a tough stance, the administration has ordered the registration of an FIR against the institute management. Officials said such violations during a disaster situation would be dealt with zero tolerance.
“Any institution putting students’ safety at risk by flouting NDMA orders will face strict penal action,” a senior official said.
Locals too have slammed the institute for ignoring ground realities, calling it “irresponsible and reckless” at a time when thousands across the state are stranded, houses are damaged, and roads are snapping like twigs under landslides.
