Following the devastating fire at Dhruvatara, a study centre at Ganjve Chowk, students preparing for competitive exams in Pune have raised serious concerns about their safety. They have urged the Pune district collector to conduct fire safety audits for all study centres and halls in the city. With thousands of students arriving from across the state and country, Pune is home to over 250 study centres and halls. Alarmingly, none have applied for fire safety audits, prompting student organizations to take a stand and address their concerns directly to the district collector, demanding that these venues be made safer. In light of the Dhruvatara incident, PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale has ordered inspections of all study halls in Pune.The Competitive Examination Students’ Association and Yuva Sena are at the forefront of advocating for student safety.
Mahesh Gharbude, president of the Competitive Examination Students’ Association, stated, “New study halls are opening every day, primarily focused on profit. The safety of students is often overlooked. The municipal corporation must investigate this situation and enforce strict measures.”A statement from the Competitive Examination Students’ Association emphasized, “All colleges and hostels under municipal jurisdiction must conduct fire safety audits. Action should be taken against study centres and halls situated in hazardous buildings. If any incident occurs, the municipal administration will bear full responsibility.”Kalpesh Yadav, joint secretary of Yuva Sena, remarked, “The administration needs to implement permanent safety measures for students. We have formally requested this from the district collector.
Many study halls are in old buildings that are overcrowded. Despite high fees, the facilities are inadequate.”Student Ashish Kale added, “Students from all over the country come to Pune to prepare for exams and attend colleges. However, many study centres are in rundown buildings without access to drinking water, and the restrooms are shared between genders. There’s no designated area to eat, and fire safety equipment is nonexistent. A sudden fire could lead to a catastrophic situation.”Commissioner Bhosale responded, “We are launching an inspection initiative for all study centres and halls in Pune. Should we discover noncompliance with fire safety regulations, we will take stringent action.”
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