In Brief:
- One-month deadline for hostels to meet safety and operational standards
- Administration has already fined and sealed hostels, penalties up to Rs 300,000
- Hostels must ensure sanitation, food quality, internet, CCTV and security
- Operators required to ban drugs and alcohol, sign agreements, and provide emergency facilities
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 23
The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, has given private hostel operators one month to comply with mandatory safety, infrastructure and operational standards, citing complaints of student mistreatment, excessive fees, poor infrastructure, inadequate sanitation, drug abuse, clashes and deaths.
The administration said it had already fined and sealed some hostels, with penalties of up to Rs 300,000.
Under the notice, hostel operators must register and renew their facilities with the designated authorities, comply with government and local-level standards, provide adequate infrastructure, sanitation, food quality, drinking water, electricity and internet services, and publish prescribed fees.
Hostels have been instructed to prohibit narcotic drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco products and ensure a safe and dignified environment for students. Operators must install CCTV cameras in sensitive areas (excluding bedrooms and toilets), submit updated details of operators and students to the nearest police office, and arrange responsible wardens and private security personnel around the clock.
The notice also requires agreements between students and hostel operators and, where rented buildings are used, rental agreements with landlords. Operators and wardens must provide their personal details to the administration and police.
Hostels must maintain fire extinguishers and first-aid supplies and prominently display emergency contact numbers of relevant government agencies. Facilities accommodating both male and female students must have separate office and residential buildings.
Hostel operators have also been directed to conduct at least one training session each week to promote discipline and dignified behaviour and ensure that neighbouring communities are not disturbed.