New Delhi: Delhi govt has decided to explore options for providing safe and affordable paying guest (PG) accommodation for students, with LG T S Sandhu Tuesday directing DDA to identify suitable land parcels for the purpose and prepare an actionable plan.
Govt is looking at ways to expand accommodation options as universities have limited space for building hostels, according to sources. LG met DDA vice-chairperson N Saravana Kumar at Lok Niwas to review options for alternative accommodation for students. He directed DDA to engage with university officials on provisions of the new Master Plan that could facilitate development of hostel facilities. One of the initial proposals being explored is allowing colleges to partner with establishments outside their campuses, with colleges having the responsibility for overseeing safety standards. The model could include both college-supervised facilities and privately operated PG accommodations. Govt is also examining measures to increase hostel capacity by allowing higher floor area ratio limits for universities. Another option under consideration is converting vacant govt properties into student hostels.