Punjab Government Sanctions Rs.150 Crore Hostels, Will Safe Housing Empower Working Women?

New Delhi: Many young women move to cities for job opportunities but struggle to find safe and affordable accommodation. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said every woman deserves a secure place to live. The government believes fear of high rent and unsafe surroundings holds back ambitions. New hostels are expected to help women stay focused on career growth. Officials say this move could support thousands annually. Construction has been approved under priority development.

How Many Hostels And Where Exactly?

Of the five hostels sanctioned, three will be built in Mohali, one in Amritsar and one in Jalandhar. These cities attract women from across Punjab due to strong IT, business and industrial opportunities. Each hostel will accommodate between 150 and 200 women. In total, the project aims to help around 800 to 1,000 working women. The locations have been selected based on safety, connectivity and job density. Development work will begin soon.

What Facilities Will The Hostels Provide?

The hostels will include 24-hour security with CCTV surveillance. Wi-Fi, gym, library and medical rooms will be provided for convenience. Common areas and study spaces are being designed keeping working women’s needs in mind. Safety protocols will be placed under strict supervision. The aim is to offer a high-quality living environment at a low monthly cost. Officials want women to feel independent yet supported.

How Do Previous Hostels Reflect Success?

In 2019, hostels were opened in Ludhiana and Patiala with an investment of Rs.35 crore. Over 200 women were benefitted through subsidised housing. Costs dropped by nearly half for many residents. Neha Sharma, a private sector employee living there, said she now spends Rs.3,500 instead of Rs.8,000 on accommodation. Learning from this success, the new project is being developed on a larger scale. Government experts say feedback helped redesign plans.

Can This Initiative Strengthen Punjab’s Economy?

Experts believe that when women work without housing stress, their productivity increases. More women can accept jobs in cities without delaying their careers. Economists say stronger female participation directly pushes state growth. Professor Mandeep Kaur noted that such schemes send signals of progress and reform. Punjab aims to build an inclusive workforce. The project aligns with broader development strategies.

What Other Steps Has The Government Taken?

The Mann administration has introduced initiatives supporting women across sectors. These include free bus travel under the Mai Bhago Ishri Shakti scheme, improved payment for ASHA workers and special loans for women entrepreneurs. Officials say actions matter more than announcements. Hostels are viewed as practical support for working women. This is part of a long-term empowerment road map.

When Will The Hostels Be Ready?

Construction is expected to finish within the next two years. Officials want to ensure quality infrastructure before opening. The project is being treated as a development priority. Experts say once operational, these hostels could offer long-term security solutions. When women become financially independent, families and society benefit together. The government calls this step essential to shaping a more inclusive and confident future.