Kota District Launches ‘Kota Cares’ Initiative for Student Welfare

New Delhi, February 25, 2025: The Kota District Administration has introduced a set of reforms under the ‘Kota Cares’ initiative, aimed at improving student housing, safety, and support systems in India’s leading coaching hub. The initiative, launched in December 2024, was developed through consultations with coaching institutes, hostel associations, and local communities.

“Kota Cares is about reimagining how we support the lakhs of students who come to our city chasing their dreams,” said District Collector Dr. Ravindra Goswami. “Through these comprehensive reforms, we're creating a support system that addresses every aspect of student life - from affordable housing to mental health support to recreational needs. This is about transforming Kota into a city that cares for its students as much as it coaches them.”

Under the housing reforms, security and caution deposits have been eliminated across 4,000 hostels, maintenance charges are now capped at ₹2,000 annually, and all transactions require mandatory receipts. Guidelines have been established for room changes and vacation policies to ensure transparency in hostel management.

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Safety measures include mandatory training for hostel staff, installation of CCTV cameras and biometric systems, and special provisions such as female wardens in women’s hostels. Hostels must also obtain Anti-Hanging Device certificates and Fire NOCs. Night attendance will be conducted through personal room visits.

For student well-being, the initiative provides free access to the Chambal Riverfront and designated Oxygen Zones, along with dedicated recreation areas in hostels. Mid-term vacation food services and emergency medical support have also been introduced.

A support network has been set up, including ‘Kota Cares’ help desks at railway stations and bus stands, student support centers across the city, and a coordinated emergency response system.

Speaking on behalf of the city's hostel associations, leaders Vishwanath Sharma, Sunil Agarwal, and Naveen Mittal stated, “These reforms reflect our collective commitment to student welfare. We're not just providing accommodation; we're creating homes away from home where students can thrive. Every measure being implemented under Kota Cares has been designed with student well-being at its core.”

Hostel associations have begun implementing these reforms, with the district administration monitoring compliance and gathering feedback for improvements. The initiative aims to create a structured support system for the over 1.25 lakh students in Kota and could serve as a model for other educational hubs in India.