A New Scheme To Provide Assistance For Working Women to Get Safe Housing?

The Government of India has put forward several schemes to empower the working women of our nation and help balance their professional and personal responsibilities. One of the most notable schemes that comes under this is the Scheme for Working Hostel Women.

Through this initiative, the government aims to promote safe and reliable stay options and provide daycare facilities for female employees who stay away from home. The Working Hostel Women Scheme was launched in 1972 but has evolved with multiple reforms.

Objectives Of The Working Hostel Women Scheme

The key objective of these schemes is to provide housing for working women all over India. Apart from that, it also has other objectives, such as:

• Aims to nurture an environment that is safe and convenient for working women and provide facilities for their children, if they do have so.

• To provide accommodation services in places where employment opportunities for women exist, be it rural, urban, or semi-urban.

• Make hostels a necessity for all working women without any segregation.

• Provide a safe and viable option for staying for women who undergo training for certain jobs.

Who Are Eligible To Apply For This Scheme?

The section of working women who are eligible under this scheme are:

• Working women, be they married, unmarried, or widowed, are eligible to apply.

• Special preferences are given to women coming from disadvantaged sections of society who are working at the time of application.

• Housing reservations are also made for physically challenged individuals specifically.

• Working mothers can stay in the housing provided by the scheme along with their children. Girls up to the age of 18 and boys up to the age of 5 are allowed to accompany them during their stay.

The Benefits Provided By The Working Hostel Women Scheme

The scheme offers several benefits to working women, such as:

• Subsidised rent rates for single rooms, double rooms, and dormitories.

• Rent is calculated as per a specific amount that is in relation to the residents' salary.

• Daycare facilities are provided for working mothers with children, which are also at a very minimal charge.

• The hostels follow clear rules and regulations to promote a safe and comfortable environment.

Application Process For The Working Hostel Women Scheme

Interested women looking to apply for this scheme can:

• Check the list of all hostels currently under this scheme via the link provided here.

• Interested applicants can also visit the hostels physically to check out the amenities and comfort.

• Once shortlisted and finalised, applicants can check their eligibility criteria, fill out the respective documents and form, and submit it to the hostel committee.

Eligible Agencies Under The Working Hostel Women Scheme

The agencies that are allowed to house women as part of this scheme are:

• State agencies

• Urban local bodies

• Educational institutions

• NGOs with a positive reputation for issues that concern women.

Rent For Women Under The Working Women Scheme

The rent for housing under this scheme is calculated as per the salary that the women residing there receive. The rent is as follows:

• A maximum of 15% of the total gross salary is taken as rent for rooms with a single bed.

• A maximum of 10% of the total gross salary is taken as rent for rooms with a double bed.

• For dormitory facilities, a maximum of only 7.5% of the total gross salary is taken as rent.

• Daycare facilities rent a maximum of 5% of the woman’s gross salary.

The rent for the rooms and dormitories is exclusive of the mess and other facilities like washing machines, for which the residents are charged extra.

Conclusion

By providing affordable accommodation to working women, The Scheme For Working Hostel Women helps the women face fewer challenges as they continue to work. The safe housing provided allows more females to consider working away from home to build their professional careers without having to sacrifice their needs. This scheme helps empower thousands of women across India.

Readers can reach out to the concerned authorities at the helpline number 0172 256 0349 for further queries.