Licensing system and safety overhaul proposed for hostels

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty addressing a meeting of hostel owners on Wednesday.
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Introducing a licensing system for hostels under city police rules, maintaining updated records of residents and fire safety compliance were among the top priorities discussed during the high-level coordination meeting with 225 hostel owners from Madhapur and Balanagar zones in Cyberabad on Wednesday (March 12) to enhance hostel safety in the city.

The meeting proposed introducing an establishment licence system for hostels, aligning them with other commercial establishments under city police regulations. Plans were also unveiled for a centralised platform to provide detailed information on hostel facilities, their availability, pricing, and amenities, to help employees make informed decisions about accommodation options.

Participants at a meeting of hostel owners on Wednesday.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty said that the region had approximately 4,000 hostels with cyber facilities, catering primarily to students and working professionals from outside the State. “Over the last two decades, Cyberabad has emerged as a major IT hub, sustaining steady growth even during the pandemic. The city’s advanced infrastructure, well-organised traffic and high-quality hostel facilities are a preferred choice for professionals and students alike,” he said.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr. Gajarao Bhupal emphasised the importance of maintaining clear and updated records of paying guests.

Fire safety emerged as a major concern, with HYDRAA Additional Director (Fire) revealing that 75% of hostels were non-compliant with fire safety norms.

Mamatha, Joint Secretary of the Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC) Women Forum, highlighted the Safe Stay Project to improve hostel security and comfort. She noted that SCSC had established 10 key guidelines as safety parameters and conducted a survey to assess compliance.