Patna: Bihar Police has identified 355 private girls’ and women’s hostels operating without mandatory registration across the state following a state-wide survey launched after the death of a NEET aspirant at a Patna hostel earlier this year.
According to the Police Headquarters, notices have been issued to all unregistered hostels, directing them to complete the registration process within the prescribed timeframe. Authorities have warned that legal action may follow against establishments that fail to comply.
Majority of Private Hostels Unregistered
Police data shows that Bihar has 469 private hostels for girls and women. Of these, only 114 are registered with the competent authority, while the remaining 355 continue to operate without registration.
The survey was conducted as part of a special drive initiated after the death of a NEET aspirant from Jehanabad at Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Patna’s Chitragupt Nagar. The incident raised concerns over the functioning and safety standards of private hostels across the state.
Survey Reviews Security Measures
Alongside registration status, the police also reviewed security arrangements at girls’ hostels.
The survey found that CCTV cameras have been installed in 700 of the state’s 783 girls’ and women’s hostels. However, only 281 hostels have biometric attendance systems, while 658 maintain visitor registers.
Police officials said several hostels still lack essential safety measures and have been instructed to strengthen their security infrastructure in accordance with prescribed standards.
Action Follows Shambhu Girls’ Hostel Case
The state-wide inspection follows the January incident in which a NEET aspirant from Jehanabad was found unconscious at Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Patna’s Chitragupt Nagar. She later died during treatment after remaining in a coma for several days.
The student’s family alleged sexual harassment and an attempt to suppress the incident. Following the case, Bihar Police launched a special drive to identify unauthorised hostels and assess security arrangements at private accommodation facilities for women.
Police Issue Safety Directions
Police have directed operators of all private girls’ hostels to implement mandatory safety measures, including CCTV surveillance, visitor registers, biometric attendance systems and other security protocols.
Officials said these measures are intended to improve the safety of female students and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Awareness Campaign From July 21
Bihar Police is also set to launch a state-wide awareness campaign, ‘Operation Vidhi Palak Yuvak’, from July 21 to August 10.
Under the campaign, awareness leaflets will be distributed among male students at the district level, and information on laws related to women’s safety and applicable penal provisions will be shared.
Police said the combined focus on hostel registration, strengthened security measures and public awareness is expected to improve safety standards for women and girls across the state.
