Karnataka Tightens Homestay Rules Following Kodagu Incident: All You Need To Know

After the alleged sexual assault of an American woman in Kodagu was reported, Karnataka has proposed new and tighter rules to ensure women’s safety in the state. The tourism department of Karnataka has proposed some major overhauls for homestays and Bed and Breakfasts (B&B). From GPS-based tracking to verification of staff, here are all of the important details that you would need to know about the new Karnataka Homestay Rules.

New Karnataka Homestay Rules

One of the major changes that is proposed is the implementation of the Smart E-Beat system. This GPS-based tracking system will enable the tracking of constables’ visits. This will create a digital record of the audit trail.

Station House Officers (SHO) will also hold outreach meetings with homestay owners on a quarterly basis. This will keep them informed about the emergency preparedness of a particular location as well as of the local risks that the area may be prone to.

Another proposed change is making the background checks and police checks of all the staff, contractual and permanent, at a homestay or B&B compulsory. The establishment of District Tourism Inspection Committees has also been proposed. These committees will be responsible for random checks and inspections of any properties to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and safety norms.

Digital Surveillance, Sensitivity Training, And SOS Infra

Apart from these key proposals, CCTV cameras at reception and other common areas are now compulsory. It is also mandatory for an establishment to maintain a record of the footage of at least the last 30 days.

They are also required to conduct routine sensitization training for their staff, which will be conducted by the Department of Women and Child Development. Rooms will now also be required to display emergency numbers like 112 and 1090, as well as a QR code for downloading the Karnataka Police SOS app.

Crackdown On Unregistered Properties

Online Travel Agencies like MakeMyTrip, Agoda, Booking.com, etc., will compulsorily have to list the Government Registration Number of each listing on their websites. In addition to this, they are also required to delist those properties that have been suspended by the newly-formed District Tourism Inspection Committees.

FAQs

Is It Safe For Solo Female Travellers To Go To Kodagu Now?

Since the new changes have been implemented, Kodagu has become significantly safer for solo female travellers.

What If A Homestay Is Not Registered?

Such homestays are illegal and can face legal consequences for operating as such.

Are B&Bs Treated Differently From Homestays?

Yes, owner-occupied homestays are considered domestic, but B&Bs need to acquire trade licenses.