Being a single woman, renting a location-friendly room has become a Herculean task. I’m not a stranger here. Earlier, I was studying and now I’m working here. A lot many predicaments kick in when you land a job. For me, it began with finding a place to stay. I took the help of brokers and found many places were occupied while others seemed to be either unsafe or the homeowners were too picky. Because I was a single woman, landlords were quite reluctant to rent out their rooms. The gravity of the issue may be gauged from the fact that I have shifted twice within a span of eight months. This is a bigger problem that requires attention as it is unsafe and difficult for anyone to manage work-life and a temporary stay from where you could be removed anytime.
Priya Sanyal, telemarketing executive
Sky-rocketing room rent is burning a hole in our pockets for which we have no option than to stay in accommodation which is far from our office. I’m staying in a PG accommodation at Satya Nagar which is far from my office at Patia. I am paying a huge amount as rent but the amenities are not up to the mark. Finding a good rented house with homely facilities in Bhubaneswar is pretty difficult. I think the government should carefully consider the issue. PG hostels are charging a huge amount as security deposits but they seldom take care of the basic requirements. I believe the workplaces in the city should make arrangements for their employees and provide hostels with security.
Pratikshya Mohapatra (name changed)
Searching rooms online is easier than going around the city with the broker. I came across this perfect match that was within my budget. Looked well and is even location friendly. Upon contacting the owner, I was shocked when he asked me to share the room with him. Most of the rooms here are quite expensive and sharing is the best option. I am unable to move in because I can’t find a partner and can’t afford all of it. I feel government-aided hostels could come to the rescue of we like working women.
Pragyan Panda, media professional
If you think renting places to single women is a problem and boys have it all easy then you are completely mistaken. Women do have this problem a notch higher but men have had to bear with the weirdest lines from the flat owners. My flat owner interviewed me regarding the budget and my workplace. After an hour-long discussion and negotiation of rent, the owner asked me whether I can bring in a flatmate. The landlady straightaway denied renting me the flat as I’m single. The perception that ‘boys indulge in immoral activities’ deprives us of getting a good accommodation. My request for flat was turned down on other grounds like ‘boys never keep the rooms clean and are destructive’. I sincerely request the state government to help address this bigger issue.
Nikhil Bansal, startup entrepreneur
SMRUTI REKHA BARIK, OP
