Delhi cops to issue licences for PGs, pvt hostels
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police is likely to approve and issue licences to 700-odd private hostels and paying guest accommodations for college students with new guidelines for how they can operate, officials aware of the matter said, a step towards formalising a business that has so far operated in a regulatory grey area.
These accommodations are largely unregulated, and many operate such commercial establishments on properties that are as residential, and do not have the necessary permissions and safety measures in place, said officers from the Delhi Police and the city’s civic bodies.
Once the shift is finalised by the state by a consensus between police, home department of Delhi government and civic bodies, the Delhi Police’s licensing unit will set rules that private hostels and PGs must follow for approvals.
“The criteria will include the lodging capacity, clearance for kitchen and lifts by the fire department, as well as clearances for other paid amenities provided to students. Permission will be granted after all the details are verified,” said a senior officer of the Delhi Police.
“Only issues concerning revenue, such as house tax and conversion charges of these households fall under the municipalities. But, whenever their legality to operate is questioned, these households claim that there is no written rule for them to procure licenses from Delhi Police like the hotels and guest houses,” said a senior North MCD officer.
A Delhi government home department officer said the offiregistered cials of education department were asked to submit details regarding such establishments.
“We have launched several crackdowns on such PGs in the recent past, because they operate commercial establishments in households registered as residential entities,” said a south Delhi civic body official.
Sandeep Singh, who runs a PG accommodation in Mukherjee Nagar, said that the interference of police may hamper the academic atmosphere in the area, which has a history of hosting Delhi University students.