In a significant development for the UPSC coaching industry, Drishti IAS, one of the largest coaching centers in Mukherjee Nagar, has decided to relocate its operations to Noida. This decision follows the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealing its Mukherjee Nagar center for running classes in a basement, a move triggered by the tragic deaths of three civil service aspirants in a flooded basement in Old Rajender Nagar in July. The shift signals a potential exodus of coaching institutes from Mukherjee Nagar, a locality that has long been synonymous with UPSC preparation.

A Hub in Decline: Mukherjee Nagar's Troubling Signs

Mukherjee Nagar has been the epicenter of UPSC coaching for years, with over 100 institutes offering a range of courses to thousands of aspirants. However, the area is now facing a crisis as deteriorating infrastructure and strict enforcement of safety norms threaten its status as a coaching hub. The sealing of Drishti IAS is seen as a tipping point, with other coaching centers considering similar moves due to fears of more closures by the MCD.

Impact on Local Economy: Businesses Hit Hard

The exodus of students and coaching institutes is already having a profound impact on the local economy. Small businesses, including tea stalls, stationery shops, and food kiosks, that thrived on the influx of students are now witnessing a sharp decline in customers. Ashish Yadav, a worker at GS Photostat, a popular shop among students, noted, "Since the protests, our business has plummeted by 75 percent. There are so many shops here, but with students leaving, there’s no business. If this continues, we’ll have to consider other options."

Safety Concerns and Regulatory Actions

The MCD’s sealing drive in Mukherjee Nagar and Rajender Nagar came in the wake of the July incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle, where three students lost their lives in a flooded basement. The tragedy highlighted the serious safety lapses in the buildings housing coaching institutes, many of which were operating without the necessary fire and safety clearances. A senior management member of Drishti IAS acknowledged these challenges, stating to The Print, "Most of the buildings don’t meet government requirements, and the infrastructure cannot fulfill the rules for fire and safety NOCs."

Drishti IAS's Relocation Strategy: Noida and Karol Bagh as New Hubs

In response to the growing safety concerns and regulatory pressures, Drishti IAS has begun scouting locations in Noida. The institute has already started conducting classes at its Karol Bagh center and is in the final stages of securing a site in Noida. The choice of Noida and Karol Bagh as new hubs for the institute was informed by a survey conducted among students, who expressed a preference for these areas due to better infrastructure and affordable housing options.

"We’ve shortlisted a few buildings, but our priority is ensuring that our students can relocate comfortably. Most likely, we’ll vacate Mukherjee Nagar very soon," a senior management member of Drishti IAS confirmed. The institute's Deputy CEO, Vivek Tiwari, emphasized that safety would be a top priority at the new Noida campus. "The classrooms will include all necessary safety features, and the campus will be situated in an area where students can find affordable accommodation and essential amenities," Tiwari said.

Anxiety Among Students: Searching for New Accommodations

The ongoing shifts have left many students anxious about their future. With classes suspended and uncertainty looming over the resumption of coaching, many are already exploring other areas like Karol Bagh and Wazirabad for accommodation. The management of Drishti IAS acknowledged this growing concern, with one representative stating, "We’re receiving hundreds of inquiries from students asking about relocation. They want to know where to move. We’ll be announcing our new location soon so that students can make the necessary arrangements."

Challenges Ahead: Finding Affordable Housing

One of the biggest challenges facing both the institutes and their students is finding affordable housing in the new locations. With Noida and Karol Bagh being more expensive than Mukherjee Nagar, securing budget-friendly accommodations that meet students' needs will be crucial. Drishti IAS is aware of this and is actively working to identify housing options that align with students’ financial constraints.

The Future of Mukherjee Nagar: A Coaching Hub in Decline?

As Drishti IAS prepares to leave Mukherjee Nagar, the future of the area as a coaching hub appears bleak. The MCD's actions to curb illegal use of infrastructure have sent shockwaves through the community, leading many to believe that Mukherjee Nagar may soon be devoid of the coaching centers that once made it a bustling student enclave.

Vivek Tiwari, Drishti’s Deputy CEO, expressed this concern, saying, "Given the government’s actions to curb the illegal use of infrastructure in the area, Mukherjee Nagar is likely to see the closure of all coaching institutions, leaving it empty."

A New Era for UPSC Coaching?

The relocation of Drishti IAS marks a potential shift in the landscape of UPSC coaching in Delhi. As institutes move to areas like Noida and Karol Bagh, students may find themselves adjusting to new environments with better infrastructure but higher costs. The developments in Mukherjee Nagar highlight the need for stricter safety regulations and better planning to ensure the safety and well-being of students and educators alike.

The transition may be challenging, but as Drishti IAS and other coaching institutes pave the way for new hubs, it could also herald a new era for UPSC aspirants, one where safety and infrastructure are prioritized to create a conducive learning environment.