For a number of students in the city who do not get hostel seats due to shortage,moving towards paying guest (PG) accommodation has become more of a choice than compulsion,thanks to the home-like facilities which are now readily available at most PG accommodations. The present average capacity of the hostels in Panjab University (PU) and its affiliated colleges is limited to 500 seats each. Bringing in facilities like access to air-conditioners,wi-fi internet connections and the option of choosing the menu for food ,PG accommodation owners in the city are now changing with the times. They have been running the services with basic facilities of bed,food with a pre-decided menu,cooler and fridge,etc,for many years. But now,looking at the increasing demand,they are going a step ahead to provide every possible facility to their paying guests,provided the latter are ready to shell out additional money. At present,while living in a hostel in Chandigarh with basic facilities doesnt cost anything beyond Rs 2,000 per month,a PG accommodation with all added facilities is available at an average monthly tariff of Rs 7,000. Despite the high amounts charged for PG accommodation,there are many students in the city who prefer them over hostels due to the extra benefits. I had applied for the hostel in my first semester. But I was not allowed to keep my car with me due to security reasons. Then,one of my friends suggested this PG accommodation. Although it costs me much more than a hostel room,I still prefer staying here as I don't have to arrange for anything, PU student Annie,who lives in Sector 15,told Newsline. The basic tariffs of any PG accommodation in Sectors 10,11,15,16,33,34,36,37,43 and 44,which are closer to the colleges,Panjab University and even the coaching classes,vary between Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000 a month,which includes the cost of food. According to the latest trend,the cost for internet access,air-conditioning facilities and choice of food menu for a PG ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 300,Rs 500 to Rs 1500 and Rs 150 to Rs 200 per month respectively across different sectors. Earlier,there used to be many similarities between PG accommodation and hostels in terms of time-restrictions,food menu and even tariffs. PGs were not allowed entry late at night. Also,the days food menu remained the same for all and sharing of rooms was quite common. However,todays ultra-modern PG accommodation focuses totally on the choice of the students. There are lesser restrictions and extended faculties. Chandigarh,which is fast emerging as an educational hub,has witnessed an increased inflow of students over the last couple of years. Likewise,the practice of accommodating paying guests has developed as a business venture here.
