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Key Points

Madhya Pradesh is taking a significant step towards supporting working women by constructing dedicated hostels in key industrial areas. The state government has approved an investment of approximately Rs 250 crore to build safe and affordable accommodation facilities in regions like Pithampur, Mandideep, and Malanpur. These hostels are designed not just as living spaces but also as potential skill development centers for women employees. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of enhancing women's participation in the workforce by providing secure and supportive living environments.

Key Points: MP Launches Safe Hostels for Women in Industrial Zones

  • MP cabinet approves hostels in Pithampur, Mandideep, and Malanpur industrial zones
  • Rs 66-77 crore allocated per location
  • Aims to support women's workforce participation
3 min read

MP to construct working-women hostels in industrial areas

Madhya Pradesh approves Rs 250 crore investment in working women's hostels across industrial areas to enhance workforce safety and accommodation.

"Central and State governments will construct residential facilities for women in all industrial areas. - Kailash Vijayvargiya, Urban Development Minister"

Bhopal/Indore, May 20

Following Central government's initiatives to establish working women's hostels in industrial areas to provide safe and affordable accommodation for female workers, Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the construction of hostels in all industrial hubs such as Udyog Nagri Pithampur (near Indore) and Mandideep (near Bhopal) and Malapur (near Gwalior).

In the first phase, the state has decided to make its investment of Rs 66 crore in Udyogpuri (Ujjain), Rs 76 crore in Pithampur, Rs 29 crore in Malanpur and Rs 77 crore in Mandideep.

More funds will be invested in other industrial areas at a later stage.

The government is considering financial support from industries through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to aid in the development of these facilities, the minister said.

"Central and State governments will construct residential facilities for women in all industrial areas. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is taking an interest in this project, so the state is getting support from the Central government. The state is proactive in construction for residential areas for working women in industrial areas," Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said after the Cabinet meeting in Indore.

The state cabinet meeting was organised in Indore to pay reverence to the Holkar dynasty ruler Ahilyabai.

Prime Minister Modi will visit Bhopal and will dedicate the Indore Metro Rail project on May 31 virtually from Bhopal, the minister said.

Additionally, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed the expansion of the 'Sakhi-Niwas' hostel facilities under Mission Shakti, ensuring that hostels are available in all cities and industrial areas where a significant number of women are employed. These hostels will also serve as centres for skill development and employment-oriented training.

Other states, such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, have also launched similar initiatives.

Tamil Nadu has established multiple working women's hostels across various districts, equipped with biometric attendance, CCTV surveillance, and other modern amenities.

In Andhra Pradesh, the government has sanctioned hostels in Visakhapatnam under a public-private partnership model, ensuring safe and well-equipped accommodations for working women.

At the national level, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for the construction of new hostels across 28 states under the Sakhi Niwas Scheme.

This initiative aims to enhance women’s participation in the workforce by providing secure housing options. The Working Women Hostel Scheme, originally launched in 1972-73, continues to support the construction and expansion of hostels in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas where employment opportunities exist.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such a welcome move! As someone who moved from Jabalpur to Indore for work, finding safe accommodation was my biggest challenge. These hostels with skill development facilities will empower so many women. Hope they maintain strict security standards though. 🙏
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Rahul S.
Good initiative but implementation is key. MP government must ensure these hostels don't become like other govt projects - half finished or poorly maintained. Also hope they're not restricted to only factory workers but include all working women.
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Anjali M.
Finally! My sister works in Pithampur and spends 3 hours commuting daily because there's no safe housing nearby. The CSR funding idea is smart - industries benefiting from women workers should contribute to their welfare. Hope other states follow MP's lead.
V
Vikram J.
While I appreciate the effort, Rs 66-77 crore per hostel seems excessive. Couldn't they renovate existing buildings instead? Also, why only industrial areas? What about women working in hospitals, schools etc in city centers? The scheme needs broader vision.
S
Sunita P.
As a mother whose daughter may need to relocate for work, this gives me peace of mind. The combination of housing + skill development is brilliant! 👏 But please ensure these are not just concrete buildings but have green spaces, recreation areas - places where women can thrive.
A
Amit R.
Great to see development coming to MP's industrial hubs. But government should also focus on improving public transport connectivity to these areas. Safe hostels + good transport = real empowerment for working women. Hope CM Yadav considers this aspect too.

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