Students living in private paying guest (PG) accommodation near Delhi University’s South Campus are reportedly paying up to Rs 15 per unit for electricity, alongside steep and largely unregulated rents, a recent survey has found.
The findings come weeks after a PG building collapse in Satya Niketan claimed seven lives and brought renewed attention to the conditions in which students live.
Electricity charges add to students’ burden
A joint survey of 117 students found that electricity charges in several PGs ranged between Rs 11 and Rs 15 per unit, considerably higher than standard domestic tariffs in Delhi. Students also reported problems including faulty cooling systems, delayed repairs and irregular or contaminated water supply.
The survey was conducted by student and civil society organisations, including the Students’ Federation of India, Democratic Youth Federation of India and Delhi Teachers’ Front.
Rents reach Rs 30,000 a month
The survey found that monthly PG rents ranged from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000, with no standard regulation. A double-sharing room with food reportedly cost around Rs 14,000 a month on average.
Security deposits ranged from one to three months’ rent, with some students paying as much as Rs 50,000. About 31 per cent of respondents said they had obtained accommodation through brokers and paid additional commissions.
Students seek safer accommodation
The survey found that 66 per cent of students would prefer university or college hostels, while 79 per cent said they were afraid to continue living in Satya Niketan following the building collapse.
The organisations have called for mandatory registration and licensing of PGs, regular safety audits and a public database of accommodation facilities.
The findings have once again highlighted the challenges faced by students who depend on private housing because of limited hostel availability.