Delhi Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire: After the Malviya Nagar fire, the Delhi government has withdrawn the old bed and breakfast policy. In its place it is coming up with ‘Delhi Bed and Breakfast Policy 2026’. The Tourism Department has appealed to the general public, tourism industry stakeholders and property owners to send their suggestions within 30 days. An e-mail ID has been given for this. Stakeholders can send their suggestions to [email protected].
Apart from this, people can also send their suggestions through post. Postal Address:- Deputy Secretary (Tourism), Department of Tourism, GNCTD, 2nd Floor, Vikas Bhawan-II, Upper Bela Road, Near Metcalfe House, Delhi-110054 Is. The Tourism Department has appealed to the people to send their suggestions through prescribed channels only instead of coming to the office. The Tourism Department has clarified that this is still a draft policy and public opinion will be taken before making the final policy. After receiving the suggestions, the final policy will be implemented after making necessary amendments.
Why is a new B&B policy being introduced?
According to Delhi Government, Delhi is included among the major cities of the world from historical, cultural and administrative point of view. UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb and tourist centers like India Gate, Jama Masjid and Rashtrapati Bhawan are visited by a large number of tourists every year. ‘Delhi Bed and Breakfast Policy 2026’ will be applicable in the entire National Capital Region of Delhi. The notification will be effective from the date of issue. It will remain valid for the next 5 years. However, this policy will not be applicable to hotels, motels, guest houses, lodges and boarding houses.
What is the purpose of the new policy?
- Increasing affordable accommodation for tourists in Delhi
- To regulate and organize the home-stay and B&B sector.
- Promoting Ease of Doing Business.
- Creating employment opportunities for local people.
- To provide safe and standardized tourism facilities.
Who will be able to open a B&B unit?
- The property must be residential.
- The building should be constructed following the rules and laws
- Only the property owner can apply for B&B
- Permission will be given for minimum 1 and maximum 8 rooms.
- A maximum of 16 beds can be accommodated in the B&B.
- Which properties will not be permitted?
According to the Delhi government, properties falling in the categories of hotels, lodges, hostels and guest houses, serviced apartments, self-catered flats, banquet or resorts, commercial hospitality units will not get registration as B&B.
These will be the necessary conditions
B&B operators will have to follow Delhi Fire Service rules. Police verification will have to be done. MCD and building bylaws will have to be followed, the registration process will be easy. The government has claimed to simplify the registration process. For application, legal documents of property, identity card, police verification certificate and self declaration/affidavit documents will be required. The application will be online. Registration will be done only after payment of fees without inspection. Deemed Approval will be received within 7 working days of receipt of complete application. After this, the government will also inspect if necessary. A digital directory of the registered unit will be created.
Registered B&B will be in two categories
- Gold Category
- Silver Category
Different fees and facilities will be fixed for both the categories.
B&B owners will have these responsibilities
- B&B owners will have to maintain a digital or physical guest register.
- C-Form will have to be filled for foreign guests
- Registration certificate must be displayed
- Cleanliness and safety must be ensured
- 24×7 water, electricity and ventilation will have to be provided
- Bed, linen and attached bathroom will have to be provided in the room.
- Necessary hygiene standards have to be followed
The government will be able to inspect without prior notice. If deficiencies are found, notice will be given within 3 working days. Maximum 7 days will be given for improvement. At the same time, in case of continuous violation, the registration will be suspended and cancelled. Blacklisting can also be done. Action will be taken in case of wrong information, violation of safety and hygiene rules, repeated breaking of rules, involvement in illegal activities and misuse of property.
Facilities at Gold Category B&B
- better furnishing
- clean linen
- attached bathroom
- 24 hours hot and cold water facility
- cctv
- first aid box
- emergency contact system
- better housekeeping
- Proper lighting and ventilation
21 killed in Malviya Nagar fire
21 people died while many were injured in the Malviya Nagar fire. After the accident, it was revealed that the hotel had permission for only six rooms but 20-25 rooms were built in it. Under the old scheme, the landlord could take license only for one-six i.e. 10-12 beds. But Lemon Green Restaurant and Hotel Floris Stay in Malviya Nagar had 25 rooms.
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