The recent order of Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on hostels and lodges has evoked mixed reactions from the owners. In the wake of security concerns in the capital the Municipal Body was pulled up for its failure to put up a security mechanism especially in and around hostels and lodges.
The directive issued by RMC which lays down extensive parameters for the lodges to follow is deemed by some owners of the hostels as too harsh and difficult to adhere to. “We have installed close circuit TV cameras at few places. We will cooperate with the RMC,” said Birendra Kumar owner of Kashish Girls Hostel.
Interestingly, no hostel in the city displays information on the owners of the hostel or lodge and very few have the CCTVs installed at the entrance of the hostel. The violations are visible to the naked eye in almost hostels including those for girls situated in lalpur, Burdwan Compound, Tharpakhna and several other places.
Amid many violations there rare ones who comply with the directions given and have welcomed the decision to initiate the drive. “We are following everything asked in the notice. Others should also follow as we have larger responsibility on our shoulders which is protecting the children living away from home,” said owner of Alpine Girls Hostel, Bina Singh.
The RMC has given 10 days time to the hostel owners for making all arrangements touted as necessary to address security concerns. Incidentally, the Ranchi High Court had asked the RMC CEO to file affidavit mentioning number of hostels for boys and girls alongwith the licence needed to operate in the city. The RMC officials were tightlipped about the number of hostels in the city and said they are in the process of ascertaining exact numbers.