Delhi govt to scrap B&B scheme after Malviya Nagar fire; all licensed establishments to be reviewed

The Delhi government has decided to withdraw its Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme and conduct a review of all establishments operating under it following the fire at Flourish Stay in Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said all licensed establishments would be inspected and action would be taken against operators found violating licence conditions. He stated that any establishment registered under the scheme and found operating more than six rooms would face cancellation of its licence.

The decision follows the fire at the Flourish Stay property in south Delhi, where 21 people, including foreign nationals, died and several others were injured. According to the minister, the property had received a licence under the B&B scheme in 2024 in the Silver category for six rooms, with validity extending until 2027.

Investigators have alleged that the establishment was operating beyond its permitted capacity and did not possess the required fire safety clearance. Police sources indicated that the property contained around 25 rooms, including accommodation in the basement. Authorities are examining whether the operation of the premises complied with the conditions under which the licence had been granted.

Mishra said the tourism department’s role was limited to issuing and renewing licences and conducting compliance inspections. He noted that operators are required to submit guest records to the local police station every 15 days and said the department is not responsible for the day-to-day functioning of licensed establishments.

The development comes after the department had proposed changes to the existing B&B framework. A draft policy released last month suggested the introduction of Gold and Silver categories based on room size, furnishings, sanitation standards, guest amenities and safety arrangements. Government data showed that, as of 2023, more than 2,200 rooms across 432 properties in Delhi were registered under the Bed and Breakfast scheme.