New Delhi: In a major push towards women-led development, the Government of India has allocated ₹5000 crore for the construction of new Working Women Hostels (WWH) under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). This initiative aims to provide safe, secure, and affordable accommodation for working women and those aspiring to join the workforce, thereby encouraging higher female participation in the labor market.
Under the Sakhi Niwas Scheme (WWH)—a centrally sponsored, demand-driven program under Mission Shakti—States and Union Territories assess their requirements and submit proposals for funding. Unlike previous models, the scheme now focuses on rental-based accommodations, discontinuing new greenfield construction. However, the Department of Expenditure (DoE), Ministry of Finance, has stepped in with special capital investment support for greenfield construction, ensuring the expansion of safe housing facilities across India.
After reviewing proposals from all 28 States, the Department of Expenditure has released the first installment for WWH construction in the financial year 2024–25. These funds will support the development of hostels in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas where employment opportunities for women exist, helping them access affordable and conveniently located accommodation.
To further strengthen women’s safety and empowerment, the Empowered Committee under the Nirbhaya Fund has approved additional WWH projects in various states: 7 hostels in Uttarakhand, 3 hostels in Uttar Pradesh, 7 hostels in Nagaland, 1 hostel in Punjab, 3 hostels in Tamil Nadu, 1 hostel for the University of Delhi.
These hostels will provide secure living spaces for working women and those pursuing higher education or professional training, with daycare facilities for children.
While the Sakhi Niwas Scheme ensures accommodation support, it does not include provisions for skill development or marketing facilities for its beneficiaries. However, its primary objective remains to enable more women to join the workforce without housing concerns.
This information was shared by Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, in Lok Sabha today in response to a parliamentary question.
