Buxar: Superintendent of police (SP), Shubham Arya, on Tuesday issued guidelines for owners and operators of girls’ hostels and lodges in the district to ensure the safety and security of female students.The SP said in view of recent incidents involving crimes against women students in hostels, the district police have directed strict compliance with safety norms. All girls’ hostels and lodges must be registered with the competent authority, he said.The SP directed that every hostel must appoint a woman warden and ensure police verification of all staff members, including wardens, security guards, cooks and cleaners. A record of verified staff must be maintained at the police station concerned.Hostel operators have been instructed to install high-quality HD CCTV cameras with voice recording and a minimum 30-day backup at main entrances, corridors, dining areas and across the campus. Adequate lighting must be ensured in and around the premises, including staircases and corridors.Rooms must meet public works department (PWD) building code standards in terms of size and occupancy. Strong internal locks, latches and iron grilles on windows have been made mandatory. Proper hygiene and sanitation arrangements must also be maintained on the premises, he added.A visitor register recording the name, contact number and Aadhaar details of every visitor must be maintained. Entry of men, including relatives, into hostel rooms has been strictly prohibited. A separate visitor room should be arranged for meetings, he said.The use of biometric systems for night time attendance of students and staff has also been recommended to enhance security.Emergency contact numbers, including that of the local police station in charge and designated woman police officer, must be prominently displayed at reception and common areas. Details of the ‘Abhaya Brigade help desk’ and the national emergency helpline number 112 should also be displayed. Students and staff have been advised to familiarise themselves with women’s safety features available on the 112 India App and to report any suspicious activity immediately.The SP directed that at least one female warden must be present on the premises round the clock. In case of illness, emergency or any suspicious incident, the warden must immediately inform the parents and the local police.
