Patna, February 4: The Bihar government is taking action following the tragic death of a NEET student in a hostel in the state capital, Patna. The government has recommended that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conduct an inquiry into the incident.
In response to this unfortunate event, the government has issued several mandatory guidelines for women’s hostels. The police headquarters has sent a letter to all senior police superintendents and police chiefs regarding these measures, aimed at enhancing the safety of female students residing in hostels and lodges.
According to the new directives, all hostels must have a female warden present 24/7. Additionally, police verification for all staff members, including wardens, guards, cooks, and cleaners, is now compulsory. To bolster security, CCTV cameras will be installed at the main entrance, hallways, dining areas, and throughout the premises, with recordings retained for a minimum of 30 days.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, emphasized the importance of educating and empowering girls and women for societal development. He stated that the Bihar government is committed to ensuring a safe environment for women in schools, colleges, workplaces, and residential facilities. The home department has issued necessary directives to eliminate barriers to women’s rights to live with equal opportunities and respect.
New guidelines for girls’ hostels and lodges across the state have been introduced, making registration mandatory for all facilities. A comprehensive database of all hostels will be maintained at each police station to ensure quick access to information when needed. The responsibility for this will lie with the women’s help desk.
The guidelines also mandate adequate lighting, cleanliness, secure doors and locks, and iron grills on windows in hostels. Every visitor must register their name, mobile number, and Aadhaar number in the visitor log. Male access to residential areas will be strictly prohibited.
The implementation of a biometric system for tracking the presence of students and staff at night has also been emphasized. In case of emergencies, posters displaying contact information for local police, the women’s help desk, the Abhaya Brigade, and emergency services will be displayed in hostels. The Deputy Chief Minister assured that regular inspections of hostels will be conducted by the police, the women’s help desk, and the Abhaya Brigade.
Immediate action will be taken upon receiving reports of any suspicious or criminal activities. He made it clear that there will be no compromise on the safety of young girls, and strict adherence to these guidelines will be enforced.
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