Only Two Working Women Hostels Functional in Jammu Kashmir: Centre | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has only two operational working women hostels under the Sakhi Niwas Scheme, the Union Government informed the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, the Ministry of Women and Child Development said the Sakhi Niwas Scheme is a demand-driven, centrally sponsored programme under which States and Union Territories assess their needs and submit proposals for approval.

The Ministry added that Rs 42.04 lakh was released to Jammu and Kashmir during the 15th Finance Commission period to support working women hostels in the Union Territory.

Under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme, funds have been allocated nationwide for the construction of new working women hostels, but Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been approved for this component.

The Sakhi Niwas Scheme is intended to provide safe and affordable accommodation for working women and women pursuing education or training, especially in urban and semi-urban areas with employment opportunities.