Kathmandu Hostels Get One Month to Fix Safety Gaps or Face Action

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 24, 2026

The Kathmandu District Administration Office has ordered privately operated hostels in Kathmandu to comply with a 21-point set of standards within one month, following complaints over student mistreatment, excessive fees, weak infrastructure, poor hygiene, inadequate security and substance abuse. The administration says the move is intended to make hostel accommodation safer, more transparent and more dignified for students and other residents.

Why Has the Administration Stepped In?

Authorities say regular and surprise inspections, along with complaints received about private hostels, revealed serious concerns involving safety, sanitation, food and water quality, infrastructure and treatment of residents.

The administration has also cited incidents of fights inside hostels resulting in a student's death as one of the concerns behind tighter oversight. Some hostels have already been fined up to Rs 3 lakh and sealed following previous monitoring.

CCTV, Wardens and Security Required

Security forms a major part of the new requirements. Hostels must install CCTV cameras in appropriate common areas, while private spaces such as bedrooms and toilets are excluded from surveillance.

Hostels are also required to have a responsible warden and private security personnel available around the clock. Updated details of operators, wardens and hostel residents must be provided to the nearest police office.

Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Restricted

The administration has instructed operators to strengthen internal security and prohibit the use and sale of illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and other tobacco products inside hostel premises.

The measure follows complaints that substance misuse has occurred in some hostels.

Hostel Fees Must Be Transparent

Private hostels must be properly registered and renewed with the designated authorities. Operators must publicly display their applicable fees and rates and charge residents accordingly.

A formal agreement between the hostel operator and resident will also be required. Operators running a hostel from rented property must additionally maintain a rental agreement with the property owner.

Food, Water and Living Conditions Under Scrutiny

The new requirements also focus heavily on living conditions. Rooms must provide adequate space, ventilation and natural light, while hostels are expected to maintain proper study rooms and libraries.

Operators must maintain sanitation and food quality and provide clean drinking water, along with alternative arrangements for electricity and internet services. Hostels accommodating both male and female residents must maintain the required separate arrangements.

Emergency Safety Measures Mandatory

Hostels must keep fire extinguishers and first-aid materials available for emergencies. Important government emergency contact numbers must also be displayed where residents can easily see them.

Beyond physical safety, operators have been instructed to provide residents with a secure and dignified environment and treat them humanely.

Monthly Training and Discipline

Hostel operators have also been told to prevent excessive noise that could disturb surrounding communities. Students should receive opportunities for recreation, while training aimed at maintaining discipline and appropriate conduct must be arranged at least once a month.

What Happens After One Month?

Assistant Chief District Officer and Information Officer Khimraj Bhusal has said private hostel operators that fail to meet the prescribed standards within the one-month period could face strict action under existing law.

The warning is not entirely theoretical: authorities say previous monitoring has already resulted in fines and the sealing of some hostels.