Kathmandu hostels given 1-month deadline to meet standards

The District Administration Office in Kathmandu has issued a one-month ultimatum to privately operated hostels across the valley, demanding they improve their standards and fully comply with regulations. This action comes in response to numerous serious complaints, including allegations of inhumane student treatment, exorbitant fees, inadequate infrastructure, and rising drug use within hostel premises.

Recent inspections, both routine and surprise, have resulted in significant fines for some hostels, reaching up to Rs 300,000, while others have been sealed. The administration cited specific incidents such as fatal clashes among students, poor sanitation and food quality, and insufficient security measures as reasons for the directive.

Hostel operators are now required to meet 21 specific requirements within the month. These include mandatory registration and renewal, public display of fees, and formal agreements with students and landlords. Hostels must also install CCTV cameras (excluding private rooms), provide 24-hour security and a responsible warden, and submit updated personal details of staff and residents to the police.

Furthermore, the use and sale of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are strictly prohibited. Separate facilities for male and female students are mandated, along with spacious, well-ventilated rooms, libraries, study areas, reliable internet, and readily available fire extinguishers and first-aid supplies. Assistant Chief District Officer Khimraj Bhusal warned that failure to comply by the deadline would result in strict legal action.

“

Hostel operators failing to meet all the standards within the one-month deadline would face strict legal action.