The Government of Tamil Nadu has notified comprehensive amendments to the Tamil Nadu Hostels and Homes for Women and Children (Regulation) Rules, 2015. The changes, issued by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department on May 27, 2025, mark a major policy update aimed at digitizing procedures and reinforcing regulatory oversight.
Highlights of the Amendment
Under the updated rules, all applications related to licensing, renewal, alteration, or surrender of licenses must now be submitted online through a designated government portal. The rules come into force under the powers vested by the Tamil Nadu Hostels and Homes for Women and Children (Regulation) Act, 2014.
Key provisions include:
Online Licensing Process: Establishments must apply digitally via Form-I, with a license fee of ₹10,000 payable online. Upon verification, licenses will be auto-generated and valid for 10 years.
Alteration and Renewal: Changes in location or services will require fresh licenses, also processed online. Minor changes, such as increased capacity, will incur a ₹2,000 alteration fee.
Appeals and Surrender: Aggrieved applicants can appeal to the Director of Social Welfare within 15 days. License surrender requests must also be submitted online.
Mandatory Registration: Owners of homes for women and children must register their facilities via Form-III, subject to the authenticity of supporting documents. A system-generated certificate of registration (Form-IV) will then be issued.
Strict Safety, Hygiene, and Structural Norms
The revised rules lay down specific infrastructure, safety, and operational standards, including:
- Minimum space requirements: 40 sq.ft. per child and 120 sq.ft. per woman.
- Prohibition on thatched structures and compulsory installation of rainwater harvesting systems.
- Display of license with QR code in a visible area of the premises.
- Regular fire drills and mandatory fire safety equipment.
- Submission of annual reports on the state-run e-Sevai portal.
Annexures on Safety Protocols
The amendment introduces detailed annexures for self-attested protocols, including:
- Security Measures: Deployment of guards, CCTV coverage, visitor logs, and biometric access.
- Kitchen Safety and Food Hygiene: Cleaning schedules, food menus, and gas safety compliance.
The systemized and digitalized approach aims to reduce bureaucratic delays while maintaining a strict focus on safety, hygiene, and rights of residents.
