The rising demand for paying guest (PG) accommodations in urban areas has led to regulatory challenges, especially after a tragic incident in Koramangala, which prompted the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to introduce stricter safety guidelines. PG owners are now struggling to comply, citing high costs and operational difficulties. Key concerns include the extended 90-day CCTV footage requirement, increased space per occupant, and the cost of hiring security personnel. Many owners, already operating on thin margins, are seeking regulatory relaxations and a grace period to register their PGs, emphasising the need for a balanced approach between safety and financial sustainability.
The increase in demand for paying guest (PG) accommodations in urban areas often results in regulatory challenges, particularly when safety measures are implemented in response to unfortunate incidents. In July, a tragic attack at a PG facility in Koramangala highlighted the need for enhanced security in these living arrangements, leading to the introduction of new guidelines by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). However, many PG owners across the city are now finding it difficult to comply with these regulations, prompting them to seek certain relaxations given their financial constraints and operational challenges.
PG accommodation owners have raised three key concerns regarding the adjusted BBMP guidelines. Firstly, the requirement to store CCTV footage for 90 days, an extension from the previous30-day mandate set by the police department, poses significant logistical and financial burdens. For instance, maintaining this level of data storage could require upwards of8 terabytes of space, incurring monthly costs estimated at around INR 50,000. Secondly, the stipulation of providing 70 square feet of space per occupant, rather than the previously utilised 60 feet, could necessitate a reduction in the number of tenants, subsequently impacting their revenue. Finally, the insistence on hiring security personnel raises operational costs dramatically, which many owners believe could lead to unsustainable expenses for their businesses.
The BBMP's enforcement of regulations against unregistered PG facilities has already resulted in significant disruptions. One PG owner in Marathahalli recounted how a temporary shutdown forced their residents into precarious situations, leading to demands for refunds and a loss of clientele. Arun Kumar, president of the PG Owners' Welfare Association, emphasized the need for a grace period, requesting a minimum of 30 days for owners to obtain the appropriate licensing to register their PGs.
The concerns expressed by PG owners reflect a serious conflict between regulatory requirements aimed at enhancing safety and the financial realities of operating PG accommodations. With many owners fearing that compliance could endanger their businesses, the call for regulatory relaxations underscores the necessity for a balanced approach to governance in this sector. Establishing a constructive dialogue between the BBMP and PG owners is essential to create an environment that upholds safety while also protecting the livelihoods of these small entrepreneurs. As the industry adapts to the new guidelines, a collaborative effort will be crucial to ensure that safety measures do not come at the cost of financial viability, ultimately supporting both the community's safety and the sustainability of PG accommodations.
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