The Delhi government has announced the complete withdrawal of its Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme, a direct response to a tragic fire in Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra confirmed the decision, stating that all establishments previously licensed under the scheme would undergo inspections, with action taken against operators found violating terms.
The Controversial Bed and Breakfast Scheme
The now-scrapped policy originally allowed homeowners to register residential properties as small-scale tourist accommodations. The intention was to enable residents to earn income by hosting guests, a model common globally. However, in Delhi, the scheme was plagued by poor monitoring and oversight. The distinction between a legitimate homestay and an unregulated commercial hotel often became blurred.
A stark example of this misuse was the Flourish Stay B&B, the site of the deadly fire. Despite holding a permit for only six rooms under the scheme, it was reportedly operating 25 rooms, including some in the basement, without the necessary Fire Safety No-Objection Certificate (NOC). This incident highlighted the significant safety risks posed by establishments operating beyond their permitted scope and without proper safety clearances.
Proposed New Policy for Hospitality
Before the Malviya Nagar tragedy, the Delhi Department of Tourism had already released a draft B&B Policy 2026 for public consultation, inviting suggestions over 30 days. This proposed policy aimed to introduce clearer guidelines and stricter controls for residential properties hosting paying guests.
Under the new draft, registered B&B units would be limited to a minimum of one guest room and a maximum of eight, with no more than 16 beds in total. Crucially, only lawfully constructed residential properties would qualify, drawing a firm line between genuine homestays and commercial hospitality businesses. Hotels, guesthouses, lodges, serviced apartments, resorts, and banquet facilities would be explicitly ineligible. The draft also prohibited operators from running commercial restaurants or bars open to outsiders, or using hotel-style signage.
Enhanced Safety and Classification
Given the circumstances prompting the policy review, the draft placed a strong emphasis on safety. All registered operators would be mandated to maintain guest registers, record identity documents, upload guest details to a tourism portal, and comply with police verification norms. Essential safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke or heat detectors, first-aid kits, and functional door locks would be mandatory across all units. Higher-category establishments might also be required to install CCTV cameras at entrances and common areas. Authorities would retain the power to conduct surprise inspections, with repeated violations potentially leading to suspension, cancellation of registration, or blacklisting.
The proposed policy also introduced a two-tier classification system: Gold and Silver. Gold-category units would need to meet higher standards, including rooms of at least 120 sq ft with specific amenities like wardrobes, study tables, televisions, filtered drinking water, and proper ventilation. Bathrooms would require a minimum of 40 sq ft with hot and cold running water and western-style toilets. Silver-category units would have slightly lower requirements, such as rooms of at least 100 sq ft with clean bedding, cooling facilities, filtered drinking water, and a dedicated or attached bathroom.
Digital Registration Process
The draft also outlined a streamlined digital registration process, proposing a self-certification model with online applications through a dedicated Tourism Department portal. A complete application, once submitted with the required fees, would receive deemed approval within seven working days, aiming for efficiency while ensuring compliance.
This comprehensive overhaul seeks to prevent future tragedies and ensure that Delhi's hospitality sector operates safely and within clear regulatory boundaries.