Patna: The Bihar government has intensified inspections and enforcement against unregistered paying guest (PG) facilities, lodges and hostels following the collapse of a hostel building in Delhi.
More than 400 PGs, lodges and hostels operating without registration have reportedly been identified across the state. District magistrates have been directed to take action against such establishments in accordance with the applicable rules.
According to Bihar ADG K.S. Anupam, letters have been sent to all district magistrates regarding the matter.
Monitoring Team Conducted Inspections Across Bihar
The action follows directions issued by the Patna High Court regarding the inspection of PGs, lodges and hostels.
A monitoring team was constituted to inspect such establishments across different districts. The team conducted field inspections and submitted its findings to the government.
The authorities are now acting on the basis of the inspection report, with district administrations directed to verify registrations and compliance with prescribed standards.
400 Unregistered Facilities Identified
According to the ADG, around 400 PGs, lodges and hostels were found to be operating without registration during the inspections.
The list of these establishments has been forwarded to the respective district magistrates, who have been asked to initiate action as per the rules.
Facilities that meet the required standards but have not completed registration may be given an opportunity to obtain registration after payment of the applicable penalty. However, establishments found violating safety or other prescribed norms may face further action.
Concerns Over Unsafe Buildings in Patna
The issue has raised particular concern in Patna, where thousands of students preparing for competitive examinations live in private lodges, PGs and hostels.
Areas such as Boring Road, Kankarbagh, Ashok Rajpath and Naya Tola are major student and coaching hubs, with a large number of private accommodation facilities catering to students.
The inspections are aimed at identifying establishments where students may be living in unsafe or inadequate conditions.
Patna Has a Large Student Accommodation Market
The inspection drive comes amid the rapid growth of Bihar’s coaching and student accommodation sector.
According to a survey cited in the report, Bihar has 6,383 coaching institutes, including 1,256 in Patna, 578 in Muzaffarpur and 428 in Gaya.
The student accommodation business in Patna is also estimated to generate an annual turnover of around Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 2,000 crore, largely driven by students preparing for examinations such as BPSC, UPSC, SSC, railway and banking recruitment.
Building Safety Audit Also Under Focus
Building safety has emerged as another key concern during the inspection drive.
ADG K.S. Anupam said the age of a building can also be a factor behind structural failures, highlighting the need for building safety audits.
Authorities are therefore examining not only registration status but also compliance with relevant standards. District magistrates have been asked to coordinate the required action, while police officials at the SP level have also been directed to verify registrations and take necessary steps.
Action Against Non-Compliant Facilities
The government’s latest move is aimed at ensuring that PGs, lodges and hostels operating across Bihar comply with registration and safety requirements.
While establishments meeting the prescribed standards may be allowed to regularise their registration, facilities found violating rules could face enforcement action.
The inspection and verification process is now being carried out at the district level across Bihar.
