Will MP Build Hostels for Working Women in Industrial Areas?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh is set to construct hostels for working women in industrial areas.
- Investment of Rs 66 crore in Udyogpuri and Rs 76 crore in Pithampur.
- Support from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds is being considered.
- Hostels will also serve as centers for skill development.
- This initiative reflects a national commitment to women's empowerment.
Bhopal/Indore, May 20 (NationPress) In response to the Central government's initiative to create working women's hostels in industrial zones for safe and economical housing, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet has sanctioned the establishment of hostels in all major industrial centers like Udyog Nagri Pithampur (near Indore), Mandideep (close to Bhopal), and Malapur (near Gwalior).
In the initial phase, the state will invest Rs 66 crore in Udyogpuri (Ujjain), Rs 76 crore in Pithampur, Rs 29 crore in Malanpur, and Rs 77 crore in Mandideep.
Further financial allocations will be made for other industrial sectors in due time.
The government is also exploring financial assistance from industries through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to facilitate the development of these hostels, as stated by the minister.
"The Central and State governments will set up residential accommodations for women in every industrial area. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is actively supporting this project, which has led to substantial backing from the Central government. The state is committed to building residential facilities for working women in industrial zones," said Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya after the Cabinet meeting held in Indore.
This state cabinet meeting was specifically convened in Indore to honor the legacy of the Holkar dynasty ruler Ahilyabai.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Bhopal to virtually inaugurate the Indore Metro Rail project on May 31, according to the minister.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has instructed the expansion of the 'Sakhi-Niwas' hostel scheme under Mission Shakti, ensuring hostels are available in every city and industrial area with a significant female workforce. These hostels will also function as centers for skill development and employment training.
Other states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have implemented similar strategies.
Tamil Nadu has launched numerous working women's hostels across various districts, featuring biometric attendance, CCTV surveillance, and modern amenities.
In Andhra Pradesh, hostels in Visakhapatnam have been approved under a public-private partnership model, ensuring safe and well-furnished accommodations for working women.
At the national level, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has earmarked Rs 5,000 crore for building new hostels across 28 states under the Sakhi Niwas Scheme.
This initiative is designed to boost female participation in the workforce by offering secure living arrangements. The Working Women Hostel Scheme, originally initiated in 1972-73, continues to promote the establishment and enhancement of hostels in urban, semi-urban, and rural regions where job opportunities exist.