Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Following the murder of a young woman at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Koramangala in July, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Friday introduced stringent guidelines to be followed by all PG accommodations in the city for the issuance and renewal of trade licenses, as per Section 305 of the BBMP Act, 2020.
The new regulations aim to ensure the safety, hygiene, and overall well-being of PG residents. According to the guidelines, all PG facilities must have CCTV surveillance covering all entries, exits, and corridors. The surveillance system should be capable of storing footage for up to 90 days, ensuring adequate security monitoring.
Occupancy norms have also been tightened, mandating that each occupant should have no less than 70 square feet of space. Trade licenses will be issued based on the facility’s capacity to accommodate this requirement, thereby preventing overcrowding.
Hygiene standards are emphasized, with requirements for clean and sanitary washrooms. Additionally, the BBMP in its order mandated that facilities must provide potable drinking water, with a compulsory supply of 135 litre per capita per day. For PG accommodations with in-house kitchens, an FSSAI license must be obtained within three months of receiving the trade license.
Security is also a priority, with the BBMP mandating the presence of at least one security guard with verified credentials on duty 24×7. Fire safety clearance from the competent authority is a prerequisite for the issuance of a trade license. PG facilities are also required to display BBMP and police helpline numbers prominently for emergencies.
Furthermore, the availability of first aid kits and adherence to solid waste segregation practices are compulsory. The BBMP has directed Health Officers (HOs), Medical Officers of Health (MOHs), and Senior Health Inspectors (SHIs) to monitor compliance with these guidelines every six months within their respective jurisdictions. Zonal Commissioners are responsible for ensuring adherence to these regulations and all violations will be addressed under Sections 307 and 308 of the BBMP Act, 2020, with strict action taken against non-compliant facilities, the BBMP said.
Earlier in February this year, in view of growing complaints against PGs by residents, the Bengaluru city police had issued strict guidelines for stays in accordance with Section 34(d) and Section 70 of the Karnataka Police Act.
The Bengaluru police has directed PG owners to ensure the mandatory acquisition of the requisite license (trade license) from BBMP. BBMP chief Tushar Giri Nath had earlier stated that the civic agency is working on a framework to regulate PGs and bring them under the civic agency’s ambit.
The police had also directed PG owners and management to collect identity cards and recent photographs of all individuals arriving at the residence; recording details of blood relatives, along with their mobile numbers through computerization, and maintaining a separate log for visitors (including relatives/public).
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
