BANGALORE: With Bangalore turning into a hub for students arriving from other parts of the country, paying guest (PG) accommodation has become a huge money-making instrument in the hands of the house owners. Working men and women too are victims of this phenomenon. City Express takes a look at the facilities provided and issues surrounding the functioning of the PGs in the city.
Bangalore City College runs a hostel along with PG accommodation.
Bandini Kumari (name changed), who has been staying in this PG says, “Despite the PG being under the aegis of a college, proper food is not provided.” When City Express tried to reach the college authorities for their comments, Sitaram, the hostel-incharge said, “There is plenty of accommodation available in the PG, but if some one is looking for extra facilities, I have no comments to make.” Naina Das, a PG dweller at Murgeshpalya, near Total Mall, said, “There are many issues.
Food is most important as on many occasions stale food is served.
Despite paying an exorbitant Rs 6,000 per month they are not providing us with even minimum facilities. They have accommodated three girls in a small room, where hardly two girls can fit in.
Bathrooms are not cleaned regularly. “Voicing similar opinion, Priyanka Mukherjee, who once resided in a PG at Koramangala said, “Hygiene was the main issue in the PG. The garbage was never cleared when the bin was full hence, it oozed out on many occasions.” When City Express contacted few PG owners, they defended their stand.
Anup, who runs a PG named White House Women, near Yediyur Market, said, “We get girls from different parts of India, hence it is very difficult to satisfy everyone as far as food is concerned. Moreover, I do not think we are charging exorbitant fees. Today lodging accommodation in the city will cost at least `1,000 per day. Further, we provide food for the entire month, so we try to fit at least three people in one room.” Voicing similar opinion, Balanath Shetty, owner of Five Star Paying Guest for Men in Koramangala, said, “I think the rent is justifiable since we provide wardrobe, free water and electricity.
What else can one expect at such low rates?” With the booming IT industry, rapid expansion of educational opportunities and migration, PG accommodation may become more dearer in the coming days.