Concern over ‘commercialisation’

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar flagged concern over the “commercialisation of coaching centres” as he allowed short duration discussion on the Delhi incident that claimed lives of three UPSC aspirants.

“Coaching has become virtually commerce. Every time we read a newspaper, the front one or two pages are of their advertisements,” Dhankhar said. He said that he “deems it appropriate to have a short duration discussion or a calling attention” in the Rajya Sabha, and will hold a meeting with the leaders of all parties in his chamber on this issue.

Earlier, Dhankhar deferred a decision on allowing a discussion regarding the recent deaths of UPSC aspirants at a Delhi coaching centre, citing lack of agreement between the ruling party and the Opposition.

Several members, including Sudhanshu Trivedi, Ram Chandra Jangra, Surendra Singh Nagar from BJP, Swati Maliwal from AAP and John Brittas from CPI (M) had sought a discussion under Rule 267, which allows for suspension of the day's business to debate urgent matters.