In a significant move aimed at improving the living and studying conditions for thousands of students, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a comprehensive survey of all abhyasikas (reading rooms) and paying guest (PG) accommodations in the old city areas. This decision comes after years of mounting concerns from residents about overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and safety hazards.
Resident Complaints Prompt PMC Intervention
The civic action was triggered following a meeting earlier this week between residents and Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B P. Locals highlighted the persistent problems stemming from the ever-increasing number of students flocking to Pune, particularly for competitive exam coaching like the MPSC. The issues raised were multifaceted, including illegal parking, abhyasikas operating in designated parking spaces, serious safety concerns, and poor hygiene due to excessively cramped living quarters.
"The constant increase in students has put immense stress on our local infrastructure," said a representative of the residents, a sentiment that finally pushed the PMC to act. Commissioner Prithviraj confirmed to TOI that various PMC departments have now been tasked with undertaking this crucial exercise.
Drafting New Guidelines for Space and Safety
The core objective of the survey is to formulate clear, enforceable guidelines. "What we plan to do is come up with guidelines on the minimum amount of space that should be given to each student within an abhyasika so that they are not overcrowded, how many sanitation facilities should be available, and what safety aspects abhyasikas need to follow," Prithviraj explained.
The scope will extend to the city's sprawling PG ecosystem as well. The PMC plans to issue an advisory for PGs, addressing the commercial taxation of residential units converted into such accommodations. A major focus will be preventing extreme overcrowding. "We will also formulate the minimum space that every student requires in a PG so that, for instance, 15 students are not crammed into a small 1BHK," Prithviraj stated.
Stakeholder Meetings First, Penal Action Later
The commissioner emphasized a collaborative approach initially. The drafted guidelines will be discussed in meetings with all stakeholders, including police, private class owners, and house owners. "The idea is not to punish anyone but to ensure that the basic needs of the students are taken care of," he said, adding that penal action would be considered only at a later stage if compliance is not achieved.
This initiative gains urgency in the wake of a fire that destroyed a two-decade-old abhyasika in October last year. While no lives were lost, the incident exposed the vulnerabilities in these often makeshift setups.
Student Reality: Cots and Cramped Reading Rooms
The survey tackles a deep-rooted socio-economic challenge. Most students using these facilities come from rural Maharashtra and have limited financial means. Abhyasikas charge between Rs. 800 to Rs. 3,000 per person per month, while nearby dilapidated buildings offer a cot for sleeping at a low cost.
"Most students come from rural backgrounds and have no money for even half-decent living spaces. They split their money to afford a space in the reading rooms and a cot in a room. Most of their time is spent in these abhyasikas," an MPSC aspirant revealed, painting a picture of a life divided between study halls and bare-bones sleeping arrangements.
Skepticism from Student Bodies
Despite the announcement, some student leaders remain skeptical. Mahesh Gharbude, President of the Competitive Exams Students Association, recalled that similar promises were made after last year's fire with little lasting impact. "Abhyasikas running illegally in basement parking or on terraces were shut for a few days but were back to normal within 10 days," he said.
Gharbude also pointed to the economic reality check. "Implementing rules for PGs is not easy because the cost of living in Pune is exorbitant. For a poor student, a cot is the only affordable option. Unless the authorities can provide cheap hostels, living conditions will remain the same," he argued, highlighting the need for a holistic solution beyond just regulation.
The PMC's survey represents a critical first step in acknowledging and addressing the systemic issues plaguing Pune's student accommodation sector. Its success will depend on stringent follow-through and sustainable alternatives for the city's aspirational youth.
