Delhi to roll out digital registry for student PGs and inspect 100 sites in three days

Delhi's education minister revealed that a new digital registry will capture details of every student paying‑guest accommodation in the city, and inspection teams will visit a hundred selected premises within the next three days to verify safety standards and legal compliance. The announcement came after the second meeting of the High‑Powered Committee on Student Accommodation and Safety, chaired by Minister Ashish Sood. Officials from the Delhi Development Authority, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Police and local universities were present to shape tighter safety rules and a clearer regulatory framework. The committee was formed in the wake of the tragic Satya Niketan fire, which exposed gaps in how PGs and hostels are monitored. Sood said the forthcoming portal will gather basic data such as room count and available amenities, making it easier for authorities to know where students live and for owners to register without undue hassle. Delhi University and the MCD will pilot the system within two to four days, followed by a city‑wide drive encouraging students to sign up. A sub‑committee comprising DDA, the state government, MCD and the Vice‑Chancellor of Delhi University will review existing restrictions under the Master Plan and the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, looking at possible relaxations that could permit PG operations within a 5‑6 km radius of major campuses and in residential societies. Safety proposals discussed include installing CCTV at all entry points and common areas, with video archives kept for 40‑45 days to enhance monitoring while respecting privacy. The committee plans to reconvene after Dussehra to finalize the draft regulations.

Context

The move follows a series of safety lapses in student housing across India, prompting several states to tighten oversight of private lodging providers. By creating a centralized database, Delhi aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure affordable, secure housing for its growing student population.