New Delhi: With student safety concerns under scrutiny, lieutenant governor TS Sandhu Monday ordered the mapping and verification of paying guest (PG) accommodations across Delhi University areas, while education minister Ashish Sood sought inputs from PG operators for a proposed regulatory framework.The twin initiatives are part of Delhi govt’s efforts to improve safety, security and living conditions for students residing in PG accommodations across the capital.At a review meeting attended by vice-chancellors and directors of GNCTD Universities, along with officials from MCD, Delhi Police and PWD, Sandhu directed educational institutions to identify localities and houses being used as PG accommodations and get them verified in coordination with Delhi Police.“In the absence of hostel facilities, students are living in surrounding areas on rent and in PGs. LG expressed the requirement to map these facilities to address their safety,” an official said.LG also directed civic agencies and Delhi Police to remove encroachments, particularly on roads leading to colleges and in parks near campuses. He asked agencies to repair streetlights, address the issue of open urinals, install CCTV cameras and remove inappropriate graffiti.Separately, Sood met PG owners, operators and managers as part of a series of stakeholder consultations being conducted before finalising a policy for student accommodation.Speaking in the wake of the building collapse in Satya Niketan and the steps being taken to strengthen regulation of PG accommodations in Delhi, Sood said govt was working on a framework for regulating PGs and drafting new legislation.“I recently engaged with students and residents living in PGs to understand their concerns. Today, I held discussions with PG operators, owners and managers to hear their perspectives. Before framing any new legislation, govt is consulting all stakeholders to ensure their views are taken into account,” Sood said.On Sept 15, Sood chaired the first meeting of a 20-member panel on student accommodation and safety, which discussed standard rental agreements, mandatory PG registration via a proposed “GovPG” portal, safety audits and fair pricing.
