Girls and working women take up paying guest accommodation in Bengaluru in huge numbers, but they do it at their own risk: a majority of hostels are unlicensed and unregulated.
The topmost concern for women in PG hostels is their personal safety and security. Incidents of men breaking in are common, mostly to steal cash, jewellery and laptops, and sometimes with more violent intent.
Metrolife visited some PG hostels in Indiranagar, Ulsoor, Koramangala, Jayanagar and Vasanthnagar to find out how they work.
A recent incident in Indiranagar involved a burglar breaking into a hostel. He was noticed by one of the hostellers, and ran away. No one wanted to file a complaint with the police: they were afraid they would get entangled in time-consuming procedures.
All hostels we visited were unlicensed, which means they escape accountability. The BBMP is the licensing authority.
Rasika Suresh, a student of Mount Carmel College, pays Rs 7,500 (without food) for a room she shares with three others.
“I stay here only because it is close to my college, and it is something I can afford,” she says.
The PG rents around here range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 24,000 a month.
Benita, psychology graduate, doesn’t feel safe at her hostel in Indiranagar. “There is just an elderly lady caretaker here. The building has no security cameras,” she says. About 50 girls stay here, and the owner has not cared to instal CCTV cameras or hire guards.
Ashika, a techie, has been living in a ‘luxury PG’ in Koramangala for three years. “Though the amenities are okay, the safety part always worries me. A man recently broke into our room by climbing the water pipe,” she says. The PG owner hasn’t lodged a complaint, fearing loss of reputation.
Diya, a musician from Belgaum, has been staying at a PG hostel in Jayanagar for five years. She is so scared she always keeps the lights on. “Three years ago, my roommates were out and I was alone. Around 11 pm, a middle-aged burglar broke into my room through the window. He threatened to stab me if I shouted for help,” she says.
The window did not have a grill. Diya was saved by her hostel warden turning up. The burglar fled.
CCTV cameras a must
Mujahid Pasha, chairman of the BBMP standing committee on health, says CCTV cameras are mandatory for PG hostels.
Other musts:
Security guard on duty 24/7 n Trade licence from BBMP n Prominent display of licence n Area police numbers on board
Illegal PGs can be sealed
Owners running PG hostels with no licence can be booked under the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, and the punishment could be closure and sealing of the premises. The rules remain only on paper though. In reality, unauthorised PG hostels thrive across the city. BBMP officials we contacted gave no details of action taken against illegal hostels.
Lawyer’s take
M T Nanaiah, senior advocate, says installation of CCTV cameras is mandatory, but PG hostel safety is not covered under any special law. He calls for better awareness among hostellers and action against hostel owners who flout safety guidelines.
What if hostellers are denied amenities?
- If water and electricity are not provided, hostellers can complain to the BBMP health department (call 22660000).
- Illegal PG hostels can be reported to the BBMP Commissioner (contactusbbmp@gmail.com)
- Contact jurisdictional police if safety guidelines are flouted.
Curfew strict
Hostels are strict about only one regulation: the curfew they impose on hostellers. PG hostels for women typically have a 10 pm deadline, beyond which they don’t allow hostellers in.
Police say
The girls can reach out to the local police station or call 100 in case of emergencies. All PG hostels are instructed to get licences. We can’t directly act against them. We come into the picture only when a crime is reported.
T Suneel Kumar
Bengaluru city police commissioner