Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Delhi Govt Proposes Mandatory Registration, CCTV and Deposit Caps for PGs
Following a fatal building collapse in south Delhi's Satya Niketan that killed seven people, the Delhi government has drafted comprehensive new regulations to govern paying guest (PG) accommodations across the city.
The Delhi government has proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework for paying guest accommodations and private hostels, including mandatory registration, structural and fire safety clearances, CCTV cameras and limits on security deposits, following the deadly collapse of a building in Satya Niketan that killed seven people, including five students, India Today reported.
The proposed measures are part of a draft Bill aimed at bringing thousands of privately run PG accommodations under a formal regulatory system. The move comes amid growing concerns over unregistered student housing, unsafe buildings and arbitrary rent practices in the capital. Delhi Building Collapse: Adjoining Unsafe Structure in Satya Niketan To Be Demolished Within 2 Days.
Mandatory Licences and Safety Clearances
Under the draft proposal, every building operating as a PG accommodation would be required to obtain a licence from the municipal zonal authority. Operators would also need police clearance and No-Objection Certificates for structural and fire safety within the prescribed timeframe. Each registered PG would receive a unique registration number and details would be made available through a proposed public portal, according to reports.
The proposed system is intended to create a central record of PG operators, buildings and their safety compliance, an area where authorities have faced limited oversight until now. Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Owner Hariram Bansal Apprehended in Rajasthan.
Cap on Security Deposits Proposed
The Delhi government has also proposed regulating financial practices at PG accommodations, including a cap on security deposits and measures to prevent arbitrary rent increases. A proposed rent regulation mechanism could establish area-wise rent bands, particularly for student accommodation. The plan is aimed at making PG housing more affordable and transparent for students and other tenants.
The final structure of the rent and deposit regulations is expected to be decided after consultations and completion of the draft policy.
CCTV Cameras and Security Measures
The proposed regulations would make functional CCTV cameras mandatory at entrances and common areas of registered PG accommodations. The draft also calls for CCTV footage to be retained for at least 30 days. PGs housing larger numbers of students could be required to employ licensed security guards during night hours.
In addition, every registered PG would be expected to appoint a warden who remains accessible during emergencies and can reach the accommodation within a specified time.
Public Portal for PG Registration and Complaints
The government is also considering a dedicated online portal, proposed as "GovPG", where registered accommodations would be listed along with relevant information. Students would be able to verify whether a PG is registered and submit complaints through the platform. The portal could also allow authorities to monitor occupancy, rent changes and safety audits. The draft proposal also includes a grievance redressal mechanism involving local authorities and educational institutions.
Policy Follows Deadly Satya Niketan Collapse
The proposed regulations follow the collapse of a five-storey private hostel or PG building in Delhi's Satya Niketan area near Delhi University's South Campus. Seven people were killed in the incident, including five students.
The tragedy triggered renewed scrutiny of privately operated student accommodations and building safety standards across the capital. Authorities and courts have since called for wider inspections and safety audits of PGs and hostels.
Delhi Government to Finalise Framework
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, who is associated with the committee working on the proposed regulations, has said the framework is being developed to address safety, affordability and accountability in private student housing.
The draft Bill is expected to undergo further consultations before being finalised. Officials have indicated that the government aims to complete the proposed policy framework within the next two months.
The proposed rules, if implemented, would mark a significant change in the regulation of Delhi's PG sector, bringing mandatory licensing, safety checks and greater oversight to a form of accommodation used by thousands of students and working professionals.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2026 12:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
