The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has extended the deadline for revised guidelines on paying guest (PG) accommodations to September 21, offering relief to PG owners. The guidelines, which require 70 square feet per person and 90-day CCTV footage retention, face opposition from the PG Owners' Welfare Development Association, which seeks more lenient regulations. BBMP officials are considering the association's concerns, and a meeting is planned to finalize the guidelines and the future of PG facilities in the city.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced a one-week extension for implementing revised guidelines related to paying guest (PG) accommodations, with the new deadline set for September 21. This extension offers relief to PG owners who were expecting both a revision of the guidelines and additional time to comply.
Initially, the BBMP had established a September 15 deadline, warning that non-compliance could result in actions under Sections 307 and 308 of the 2020 BBMP Act. The guidelines stipulate a requirement of 70 square feet per person and a 90-day retention period for CCTV footage-measures that have faced strong opposition from the PG Owners' Welfare Development Association. The association has advocated for a reduction of the space requirement to 35 square feet and a decrease in the CCTV footage retention period to one month. A delegation of PG owners conveyed these concerns to BBMP Special Commissioner Vikas Kishore Suralkar, who has forwarded them to the Chief Commissioner for further consideration.
Dr. Syed Sirajuddin Madani, Chief Health Officer of BBMP, confirmed the extension and ongoing discussions regarding the guidelines. He noted that the PG owners' association had raised legitimate concerns about the 70 square feet per person rule and the 90-day CCTV footage requirement, which have been forwarded for the Chief Commissioner's review. There is a possibility that some guidelines may be relaxed.
PG owners highlighted that some BBMP-run hostels allocate significantly less space per individual, sometimes as small as 20 by 14 feet, which has fueled calls for more lenient regulations in the final draft. Additionally, the BBMP has agreed to issue and renew licenses for PGs operating in residential areas, addressing a significant point of contention. Arun Kumar, president of the PG owners' association, expressed hope that the guidelines would be revised and that the extended deadline would provide ample time for compliance. A meeting is expected soon, during which the BBMP Chief will make a final decision on the revised guidelines and the future of PG facilities in the city.
In conclusion, as discussions continue, the BBMP's potential revisions to PG accommodation guidelines could greatly impact both owners and residents. The outcome of the upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining the regulatory landscape for PG facilities in Bengaluru.
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