Working women hostels to come up in Universities, college campuses; UGC asks institutions to submit proposal

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released an important notice regarding the construction of working women hostel (WHH) on university and college campuses in the country.

In its latest letter, UGC has asked vice-chancellors of universities and college principals for allocation of land/built-up space within their respective campuses for establishing working women hostels.

This directive came after the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) suggested identifying suitable land /built-up space within the campuses of the universities for establishing Working Women Hostel (WWH).

If the universities provide such space, the cost of construction and /or management cost for running the facility can be provided by MCWD. It has also requested to convey a list of 10-15 such identified spaces within the next 10 days.

“The Higher Educational Institutions are requested to take note of it and take appropriate action by submitting their proposals to the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD),” UGC’s letter read.

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It is pertinent to mention here that India's progress in STEM education sees a commendable 43% representation of women graduates. As per the vision of the Prime Minister, women should lead in the Amrit Kaal, as without ensuring their progress, the overall progress of society is not possible.

The availability of better educational and employment opportunities is among the key factors prompting women and girls from rural areas to relocate to TIER-I and metro cities. Apart from this, safe and affordable accommodation is also very important as well as challenging.

Sakhi Niwas (Working Women's Hostel), a component of the Umbrella scheme of Mission Shakti, emerges as a beacon of hope.