BENGALURU: The Bengaluru East City Corporation has initiated a significant campaign against unauthorized paying guest (PG) accommodations, uncovering 165 unlicensed establishments through routine ward inspections.
These inspections, carried out by health officials across all wards, revealed a considerable number of the 1,452 PGs operating within the corporation limits were functioning without the required trade licenses or safety compliance.
The civic body issued a final public notice urging PG owners to obtain licenses within seven days to avoid legal repercussions, including penalties and potential sealing of their properties. The deadline is set for Wednesday. Violations include operating in residential zones without permission, insufficient fire safety measures, poor hygiene, and failure to install mandatory CCTV cameras.
Notably, the IT corridor within the East City Corporation houses numerous PG accommodations catering to migrant workers. However, residents, particularly the elderly, have voiced concerns regarding noise disturbances and late-night parties. There have been alarming reports of men entering women’s PG premises and vice versa, raising concerns about safety.
“To safeguard public health and safety, comprehensive surveys were conducted, and all PGs were instructed to secure licenses and adhere to regulations,” stated an official. Notifications have been dispatched to all PG operators, granting them a week’s deadline for compliance.
The corporation’s commissioner has tasked health officers to perform follow-up inspections after the deadline to ensure adherence to regulations. Their goal is to regulate all PG accommodations, ensuring resident safety and preserving community peace.
Proposal for Safety Certification
Officials from the East City Corporation have proposed a new certification system for PG accommodations. This plan includes thorough inspections of hygiene, safety measures, and overall infrastructure before issuing a certification deeming the premises fit for occupancy.
Certified accommodations will be allowed to display an approval badge, assisting residents in identifying safe and regulated options. Officials believe this initiative will benefit both residents and compliant PG operators, ensuring public safety and helping licensed PGs attract more tenants.
The proposal will soon be presented to the chief commissioner of GBA for approval. Once approved, the certification model could set a standard for regulating PG accommodations across the city.
