Delhi Government Drafts Tough New Rules for Paying Guest Accommodations to Boost Student Safety and Control Rents

In the wake of a deadly building collapse in Satya Niketan that claimed seven lives, Delhi’s administration is scrambling to tighten the reins on paying‑guest (PG) hostels that house thousands of students every year. Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood unveiled a draft framework that reads more like a safety checklist than a bureaucratic afterthought.

First and foremost, every PG would have to secure a fresh‑off‑the‑press "PG Operating Licence" – no shortcuts, no grandfather clauses. Operators must also clear both police and municipal verifications before they can even think about opening their doors. It feels a bit like getting a driver's licence, except the stakes involve young people’s lives.

When it comes to security, the draft leaves little room for doubt. CCTV cameras would be compulsory at the main entrance and in all common areas, with the footage stored for a solid 30 days. For larger houses that accommodate fifteen or more students, a licensed night guard must be on duty from 10 pm to 6 am – essentially a vigilant night‑owl ensuring nothing untoward happens while the residents are asleep.

Visitors won’t be left wandering aimlessly either. A visitor register will be mandatory, and non‑resident guests may only enter between 8 am and 9 pm. Think of it as a polite reminder that PGs are semi‑public spaces, not open‑house parties.

Perhaps the most human‑touch element is the requirement for a resident warden – someone who either lives on the premises or maintains an office within a 500‑metre radius. The warden must be able to reach the PG within fifteen minutes in case of an emergency, a rule that essentially guarantees a quick‑response lifeline.

Rent woes, another sore spot for students, are slated to be addressed by a dedicated Rent Regulation Committee. This body will set rent bands based on occupancy, amenities, local market rates, and proximity to colleges and transport hubs. In other words, the days of arbitrary hikes could finally be over.

Coordination, the draft argues, is key. An Institutional Accommodation Committee – comprising college officials, student representatives, a municipal member and a police liaison – will serve as a bridge between academia, the housing market and law‑enforcement. It’s a bit of a round‑table approach meant to iron out grievances before they explode.

Beyond the immediate safety measures, the government is also planning structural audits of buildings in known PG clusters and exploring the use of vacant government properties as student housing. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hinted at periodic safety certifications for any building that hosts public activities, PGs included.

All told, the proposal seeks to bring a sprawling, often‑unchecked segment of the housing market under a more disciplined, accountable regime. If it passes, students and their families might finally feel a little more secure about where the young scholars call home.