January 1, 2026. Of the total institutions assessed, only 3,572 private and government-aided schools have obtained the required fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), while 1,928 schools have either failed inspections or not applied for certification.Officials said the NOC confirms compliance with minimum fire prevention and safety standards under the National Building Code of India, 2016. It is mandatory for most non-residential buildings, including schools, and remains valid for three years. However, buildings with floors below 9 metres may be exempt.Fire authorities noted that non-compliant schools generally fall into two categories: those that have not applied for certification and those that failed to meet safety requirements during inspections. Common deficiencies include lack of emergency exits, non-functional firefighting equipment, and absence of trained staff.A senior DFS official stated that no new NOC applications have been received in the past two and a half months, highlighting poor response despite ongoing awareness efforts.Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said the government will initiate a citywide fire safety audit. The ongoing “Safe School Campaign” includes inspections, mock drills, and awareness sessions, though officials noted limited participation and few new applications during the campaign period.
