Over 122 privately-run hostels are currently operating across the state capital, with neighbourhoods like MP Nagar, Rachna Nagar, Saket Nagar, and Subhash Nagar emerging as prominent hubs. Despite their growing presence, there is a glaring lack of official monitoring, documentation, and regulation—leaving thousands of students and working professionals potentially vulnerable.
According to Anoop Goyal, Building Permission Officer at the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), “We do not possess any formal data on private hostels. Owners have set them up within residential properties and commercial spaces without seeking prior permissions.”
Fire safety regulations mandate that only hostels exceeding 500 square metres in area, with more than 50 beds and a height above 15 metres, require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department. However, a senior fire official admitted there is currently no consolidated data available. “We are working on compiling records, but fire safety measures are essential in all establishments, regardless of size,” the official stated.
Most of these hostels are concentrated in key city areas and on the outskirts, offering amenities such as two meals a day, breakfast, laundry services, and free Wi-Fi. Charges typically range from Rs 7,500 per month for a single room to Rs 6,000 for shared accommodation. Capacities vary widely—from fewer than 50 occupants to over 150.
While hostel operators claim to follow guidelines and ensure resident safety, many are unable to present registration certificates or fire clearances when asked. In MP Nagar Zones 1 and 2 alone, more than 30 hostels accommodate both male and female residents, including working individuals.
Rishabh Jha, a student from Bihar living in a hostel in MP Nagar Zone 1, shared his frustration, “I prefer staying in a single room. My parents send Rs 7,500 every month, of which Rs 6,000 goes to the hostel. But the facilities often fall short. I’ve changed hostels over 15 times in the past two years. Many owners take one month’s advance and one month’s rent, and then refuse refunds when expectations aren’t met. If you're choosing a hostel here, avoid anything below Rs 8,000.”
The lack of clarity around which department is responsible for regulating these private hostels only deepens the concern. Routine inspections are rare, and accountability remains elusive.
District Food Officer Devendra Dubey confirmed that private hostels fall outside the department’s jurisdiction. “We do not maintain records of hostel mess facilities. Our mandate covers hotels, restaurants, clubs, dhabas, roadside food stalls, and resorts. If a hostel owner applies, we can process a licence, but we do not proactively monitor them,” he said.
When approached, local police officials declined to comment on the matter.
With no clear authority supervising operations, and with limited enforcement of safety and hygiene standards, thousands of young residents remain exposed to potential risks. The growing number of unregistered and unregulated hostels calls for urgent government action and a defined regulatory framework to ensure safety, transparency, and accountability.