DELHI — When you are hunting for a place to live in one of India's busiest and most expensive cities, the search for affordable accommodation can feel like navigating a maze. A recent investigation by NDTV into paying guest (PG) accommodations in Delhi's bustling Kamla Nagar area has uncovered a troubling pattern: prospective residents are rarely asked about their safety, and owners are quick to highlight amenities while sidestepping questions of security.
Kamla Nagar, located in central Delhi near the well-known Rajinder Nagar and Vishwavidyalaya metro stations, is a popular choice for students and young working professionals who flock to the area for its proximity to universities and the heart of the city. But the ease of access comes with hidden challenges, and the PG market here appears to prioritize comfort over caution.
During visits to multiple PG accommodations, reporters found that the conversation almost always started with what the facility offers — air-conditioned rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, home-cooked meals, laundry services, and 24-hour water supply. What was noticeably absent was any mention of safety protocols, surveillance cameras, lock systems, or even basic building security. When brought up, these topics were either dismissed or treated as secondary concerns.
"Everyone talks about AC and food first," said one student who had visited several PGs in the area. "When I asked about CCTV cameras or who checks visitors, the owner just changed the subject."
The trend reflects a wider issue across urban India, where the demand for PG housing far outstrips supply, leaving renters with limited leverage to negotiate safer living conditions. In many cases, property owners assume that young tenants are primarily looking for convenience and affordability, not necessarily a secure environment.
Experts say the situation is particularly concerning for women, who often face additional vulnerabilities when relocating to unfamiliar parts of a city. Despite repeated incidents of harassment and unsafe conditions in PG hostels across metropolitan areas, there remains little regulatory oversight ensuring minimum safety standards.
Tenant advocacy groups have long called for mandatory registration of PG accommodations and periodic safety inspections, but enforcement has been sporadic at best. For now, the onus remains on individual renters to ask the right questions and do their own due diligence before signing a lease.
