India, June 4 -- The fire at a bed and breakfast in Malviya Nagar has exposed glaring gaps in the Capital's enforcement of rules and regulations, and raised questions about the wisdom of two recent Delhi government policies - one on bed and breakfasts and a second on fire safety - that propose a more relaxed regime for certification.

On May 27, the government proposed a new fire safety framework, under which building owners can obtain fire clearances through private fire auditors - they will be empaneled, said the policy - rather than relying solely on inspections by Delhi Fire Service (DFS). The government argued that the move will reduce delays, improve efficiency and bring professional expertise into the certification process. The pol...