Kathmandu: Hostels (student residences) are not allowed to operate without permission from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has issued the Student Residence Operation Criteria 2080 to ensure that hostels are organized, regulated, and safe for students residing in them, as well as to safeguard the interests of the operators. This criteria was issued on July 5th.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has used the authority provided by the Local Governance Operation Act 2074, Section 11(2)(j) and Section 102(2), to issue the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Administrative Procedure (Regularization) Act 2075. The criteria were issued on July 5th.
According to the criteria, the operation of student residences (hostels) within the metropolitan city requires the submission of an operational plan, commitment, recommendations from the ward, a map and map clearance for the building housing the hostel, and a completion certificate for construction, among other documents. If the hostel is operated in a rented building or on land owned by the operator, an agreement should be submitted to prove the arrangement. After a site inspection and assessment, the Department of Education of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City will grant permission for operation.
The student residences must meet minimum standards. These include provisions for toilets, bathing areas, water supply, electricity, beds for each student, doors and tables, and proper management of cleanliness and hygiene. Rooms should have adequate lighting, and proper ventilation is necessary.
For the management of potential emergencies and disasters, fire extinguishing equipment and materials, as well as primary treatment supplies, are required. CCTV cameras should be installed for surveillance of areas other than rooms and toilets. Student residences should not be located in landslide-prone or polluted areas. Buildings housing student residences should be at least 200 meters apart. If two student residences are operated by the same operator, the internal management should be separate from the building used for residence.
Internal rules regarding service facilities, responsibilities, discipline, privacy, and code of conduct should be established and agreed upon by presenting them to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The identification and introduction of residents should include a photograph taken at the time of admission and presentation of government-issued identification. Unauthorized persons should not be allowed inside. An educational environment should be maintained. The consumption, sale, distribution, and use of alcoholic, addictive, and tobacco products are strictly prohibited. The involvement of parents in the management of student residences requires that they be at least 30 years old.
The criteria include provisions regarding the work, duties, and rights of individuals associated with student residences, as well as the responsibilities and rights of wardens, and the duties and rights of students. There are arrangements for fees, penalties, dispute resolution, and five chapters covering various subjects.