No security deposits, personal room visits, free access to recreation among Kota coaching reforms

NEW DELHI: Installation of CCTV cameras, personal room visits, removal of security deposits, free access to recreation zones, and mid-term food services are among the reforms introduced by Kota district administration for welfare of over 1.25 lakh students taking coaching for engineering, medical, and other exams annually. The reforms announced under the ‘Kota Cares’ initiative focus on student housing, safety protocols, and support measures.

“Kota Cares is about reimagining how we support the lakhs of students who come to our city chasing their dreams,” said district collector Ravindra Goswami. “Through these comprehensive reforms, we're creating a support system that addresses every aspect of student life - from affordable housing to mental health support to recreational needs. This is about transforming Kota into a city that cares for its students as much as it coaches them,” he added.

Student suicides rocked the district last year when 17 JEE, NEET aspirants died by suicide in Kota, prompting the centre and Rajasthan government to amp up student welfare systems. Recently, a National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) aspirant was found hanging in a PG in Kota, marking the 7th coaching student death in 2025.

Kota coaching centre reforms

In partnership with coaching centres, hostel associations, and local communities, the district came up with the following reforms in the way coaching industry works:

Housing and financial support

• No security and caution deposits across 4,000 hostels
• Rs 2,000 annual cap on maintenance charges
• Transparent payment systems with mandatory receipts for all transactions
• Clear guidelines for room changes and vacation policies

Safety and security measures

• Mandatory gatekeeper training for all hostel staff
• Installation of CCTV cameras and biometric systems
• Special provisions for women's hostels including female wardens
• Compulsory anti-hanging device certificates and fire NOCs
• Regular night attendance through personal room visits

Student welfare

• Free access to Chambal riverfront and oxygen zones
• Dedicated recreation areas in all hostels
• Mid-term vacation food services
• Emergency medical services

Support infrastructure

• Kota Cares help desks at railway stations and bus stands
• City-wide network of student support centers
• Coordinated response system for student assistance

Hostel association leaders Vishwanath Sharma, Sunil Agarwal, and Naveen Mittal stated, “These reforms reflect our collective commitment to student welfare. We're not just providing accommodation; we're creating homes away from home where students can thrive. Every measure being implemented under Kota Cares has been designed with student well-being at its core.”