Patna: The state home department has issued fresh safety guidelines for all girls’ hostels and lodges across Bihar, mandating compulsory registration, police verification of staff, CCTV surveillance, and strict monitoring by police and women-centric units. The decision comes in the wake of the alleged rape and death of a medical aspirant in a private hostel in the city last month. The case was handed over to the CBI after the SIT failed to make any breakthrough.Deputy CM and state home minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday said that having a woman warden and police verification for all staff — including wardens, guards, cooks and cleaning personnel — will now be mandatory in all girls’ hostels and lodges across the state.
ADG (CID and weaker sections) has written to all SSPs and SPs regarding the guidelines. “The management of all girls’ hostels/lodges operating in the state are advised to compulsorily register their respective hostels/lodges with the competent authority. A register containing complete details of all girls’ hostels/lodges operating within each police station’s jurisdiction must be maintained at the police station. The responsibility for maintaining this register shall be assigned to the officer in charge of the Women’s Help Desk at the concerned police station,” the letter states.Hostel managements will be required to install CCTV cameras at the main gate, corridors, dining area and premises, while the entry of men into residential areas will be prohibited. Police, the Women’s Help Desk, and the Abhaya Brigade will carry out regular inspections to monitor security, Samrat said.The guidelines also make it mandatory for hostels to ensure adequate lighting, proper sanitation facilities, strong doors and locks, and iron grilles on windows. The name, mobile number and Aadhaar details of every visitor will be recorded in the register. Hostels have also been advised to install biometric systems for marking the attendance of girl students and staff at night.“To deal with emergencies, posters containing information about the local police station, Women’s Help Desk, Abhaya Brigade, and the 112 Helpline will be displayed in hostels. Girl students will also be informed about the safety features of the 112 India app,” the guidelines state.The deputy CM added that the police, Women’s Help Desk and Abhaya Brigade will conduct regular inspections. “Immediate action will be taken upon receiving information about any suspicious or criminal activity. There will be no compromise on the safety of girls, and these instructions will be strictly enforced,” Samrat said.
