Delhi Moves to Regulate PGs After Satya Niketan Collapse

A draft bill could be tabled in about 45 days to improve student safety through mandatory licences, audits, rent limits, a public registry.

Overview

The Urban Development Minister said Tuesday the Delhi government will finalise a comprehensive paying-guest policy within one to two months and officials expect a draft bill in roughly 45 days.
The proposed Paying Guest Accommodation Regulation and Safety Bill would require PG operating licences, police and municipal verification, and unique registration numbers for each property.
The draft sets specific safety rules, including mandatory CCTV with 30-day retention, licensed night guards for PGs housing 15 or more students, visitor registers, and a local warden available within 15 minutes.
To curb unfair charges the framework proposes zone-wise rent bands, a Rent Regulation Committee, caps on security deposits at three months' rent, limits on advance rent and a public GovPG portal for verified listings and anonymous complaints.
The government has ordered structural and fire audits in student hubs such as South Campus and Mukherjee Nagar and is exploring supply measures like higher FAR for hostels and converting vacant government buildings into student accommodation.