Patna, February 5: Following the suspicious death of a student preparing for the NEET exam at a girls’ hostel in Patna, the Bihar government has issued stringent new safety guidelines for all girls’ hostels and lodges across the state. These measures aim to enhance security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Under the new directives, registration for all girls’ hostels and lodges has become mandatory. Each police station is now required to maintain a detailed record of hostels within its jurisdiction to ensure quick access to information when needed. This responsibility has been assigned to the women’s help desks at local police stations.
The government has mandated the availability of a female warden around the clock in all girls’ hostels. Additionally, police verification of all hostel staff, including wardens, security guards, cooks, and cleaning personnel, is now compulsory.
To bolster security, the installation of CCTV cameras at main entrances, corridors, dining areas, and throughout the hostel premises is required. CCTV footage must be retained for a minimum of 30 days.
Hostels must also provide adequate lighting, proper sanitation facilities, strong doors and locks, and iron grills on windows to prevent unauthorized access.
Strict monitoring of visitors has been ordered. Each visitor’s name, mobile number, and Aadhaar number must be recorded in a visitor register. Entry of men into residential areas of hostels is strictly prohibited.
Furthermore, the establishment of a biometric system to record the night attendance of students and staff has been recommended to ensure accountability and safety.
Posters displaying emergency contact details for local police stations, women’s help centers, the Abhaya Brigade, and the 112 helpline should be prominently displayed inside hostels. Students will also be educated about the safety features of the 112 India mobile app.
Police, women’s help centers, and the Abhaya Brigade will conduct regular inspections of hostels. Officials have warned that immediate action will be taken upon any report of suspicious or criminal activity, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for any security lapses.