Centre Allocates Rs 500 Billion for Working Women Hostels

08 Apr 2025 CW Team

In a significant push towards women-led development, the Central Government has allocated Rs 500 billion under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for the construction of new Working Women Hostels (WWH) across 28 States during the 2024–25 fiscal year.

This initiative is separate from the ongoing Sakhi Niwas Scheme — a centrally sponsored programme under Mission Shakti — that supports States/UTs in providing rental-based hostel accommodation for working women and those pursuing higher education or training. While the greenfield construction component has been discontinued under Sakhi Niwas, SASCI has revived that stream with dedicated capital support.

The Department of Expenditure, under the Ministry of Finance, has released the first instalment of funds to all 28 States based on proposals assessing local needs. These hostels will also provide day-care facilities for children and are intended to be built in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas where employment opportunities for women exist.

Additionally, the Empowered Committee under the Nirbhaya Fund has appraised greenfield construction of several more hostels: seven in Uttarakhand, three in Uttar Pradesh, seven in Nagaland, three in Tamil Nadu, one in Punjab, and one for the University of Delhi.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, shared these developments in response to a question in the Lok Sabha, reiterating the government’s commitment to safe, secure, and affordable accommodation for working women — a cornerstone for boosting their participation in the workforce.

Notably, the Sakhi Niwas scheme currently does not offer provisions for skill development or marketing support to its beneficiaries.

Resources

08 Sep 2025

IGBC Launches 32nd Chapter in Ranchi to Drive Green Building Growth

The CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has launched its 32nd Chapter in Ranchi to accelerate Jharkhand’s transition towards sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure. The launch event, held on September 6 at Radisson Blu Hotel, brought together government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability experts. Sunil Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Jharkhand, said, “The launch of the IGBC Ranchi Chapter marks a significant step in Jharkhand’s urban development journey. The state is committed to creating a policy e..

Mindspace REIT Marks Five Years With 14.8 Per Cent Annualised Returns

Mindspace Business Parks REIT, owner and developer of a Grade-A office portfolio, has completed five years since its listing on the Indian bourses in August 2020. Despite debuting during the global pandemic, the REIT has delivered 14.8 per cent annualised total returns, expanded its portfolio, and reinforced occupier trust. Key achievements over five years include: Portfolio expansion of 30 per cent to 31.0 msf through acquisitions and new developments. Gross leasing of 25.2 msf, with occupancy sustained at 93.7 per cent. Cumulative distribution of Rs 55.9 billion to unitho..

Great Value Realty Secures RERA Nod for Ultra-Luxury Ekanam Project

Great Value Realty, one of North India’s most trusted developers, has received RERA approval for its flagship ultra-luxury residential project, Ekanam (RERA No. UPRERAPRJ15109/2019). The announcement was made during the Great Partners Meet at Noida. Built on the only available land parcel in Sector 107, Noida, Ekanam embodies the company’s philosophy, “Great is the New Norm,” promising excellence in design, quality, and sustainable community living. With seamless connectivity to Noida Expressway, DND Flyway, metro stations, and proximity to the upcoming Jewar Airport, the project ..