Fri Feb 28 03:03:38 UTC 2025: ## Hyderabad’s Booming IT Sector Leaves Women in PGs and Hostels Vulnerable

**Hyderabad, India (February 28, 2025)** – The rapid growth of Hyderabad’s IT sector has created a surge in demand for paying guest (PG) accommodations and hostels, but a corresponding lack of regulation and safety measures is leaving thousands of young women vulnerable to harassment and violence. This alarming reality is highlighted by recent incidents, including a case of voyeurism at CMR Engineering College and a sexual assault at a private hostel in Ibrahimpatnam.

Numerous accounts from women living in these accommodations detail a pervasive sense of insecurity. They report stalking, lewd comments, and a general lack of safety measures in many establishments. Even when incidents are reported to management, responses are often dismissive or nonexistent. The lack of security is compounded by dimly lit streets and a general atmosphere of vulnerability, particularly at night.

Official statistics paint a grim picture. Telangana saw a 4.78% increase in crimes against women in 2024, with significant rises in rape, kidnapping, and murder cases. While She Teams, a police division dedicated to women’s safety, received over 10,000 harassment complaints, many incidents go unreported due to fear and societal pressure.

In response, Cyberabad police and the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC) launched ‘Project Safe Stay,’ a safety audit of hostels and PGs. Audits are revealing widespread non-compliance with safety regulations, with many establishments operating without licenses and lacking basic security features. The project aims to create a public rating system based on safety compliance, allowing residents to make informed choices.

However, officials acknowledge the scale of the problem, citing limited resources and a lack of awareness among residents about their rights. Experts call for mandatory registration of all PGs and hostels, stricter enforcement of regulations, and increased awareness campaigns to protect women. The issue extends beyond individual establishments, with concerns raised about inadequate campus security at institutions like the English and Foreign Languages University, where reported assaults have fueled student protests. Ultimately, the lack of accountability and the easy accessibility of surveillance technology highlight a systemic failure to prioritize women’s safety in Hyderabad’s rapidly expanding IT sector.

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