People studying at Anna Nagar Tower Park in Chennai on Sunday. , Photo credit: B Velankanni Raj
The Chennai Corporation has started building infrastructure like benches and lighting, developing study spaces in parks for IAS aspirants in areas like Anna Nagar.
Ward 104 councilor TV Shemozhi said IAS aspirants, who are living in cramped hostels, have started visiting parks in Anna Nagar to find a place to study.
“We have more than 20 parks in Anna Nagar. Residents have complained about the gathering of young IAS aspirants in the parks. A large number of IAS aspirants from different parts of the country have come to Chennai to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination,” said Mr Shemozhi.
“I requested the residents to understand the condition of the students in the cramped hostels and the need for a better environment to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. They have an aim to join the Indian Administrative Service and it is the duty of Chennai Corporation to help them. We have started developing more benches, more lighting and keeping the parks open till late night. We have to increase security and install more CCTV cameras.
Over the past few decades, Chennai has emerged as one of the most important destinations for IAS aspirants, with an increasing number of IAS coaching centers and hostels for aspirants.
To keep the cost affordable, the hostels for candidates accommodate more persons in tight spaces. After the increase in property tax and water charges, hostels have increased the rates and accommodated more candidates to make the cost affordable. Anna Nagar, RA Puram and Adyar are some of the localities that have a large number of IAS coaching centers in Chennai.