Synopsis
In a recent announcement, Rajasthan's Social Justice Minister Avinash Gehlot stated that working women's hostels will be established in all districts, with land already allotted in 30 areas. A proposal for funding has been submitted to support this initiative.Key Takeaways
- Working women's hostels to be established in all districts of Rajasthan.
- Land allocated in 30 locations, with processes ongoing in 11 more.
- Rs 165.32 crore proposal submitted for funding.
- Previous government's inaction criticized by current administration.
- Significant step towards women’s empowerment and education.
Jaipur, Feb 22 (NationPress) In a significant announcement, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot revealed in the Assembly on Friday that working women’s hostels will be established in every district of Rajasthan in a phased approach. He highlighted that land has been allocated at 30 district headquarters, while procedures for 11 additional sites are currently in progress.
During the Question Hour, Gehlot mentioned that the state government has presented a proposal worth Rs 165.32 crore to the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for the year 2024-25.
This proposal, which was submitted on January 24, 2025, aims to secure funding for the construction of working women's hostels throughout Rajasthan. Gehlot further noted that land has already been allocated for hostels in all divisional headquarters, which include Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Kota, and Bharatpur.
Additionally, guidelines for the operation of the Working Women Residence Scheme were introduced in the Assembly.
In response to MLA Anita Bhadel’s query, the Minister provided updates on land allocations, confirming that allotments have been made in 23 districts such as Sikar, Pali, Churu, Bundi, Jhalawar, Chittorgarh, Baran, Karauli, Sri Ganganagar, Alwar, Bhilwara, Jalore, Nagaur, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Tonk, Hanumangarh, Dausa, Sirohi, Beawar, and Didwana-Kuchaman.
Meanwhile, it was reported that processes are ongoing in 11 districts, including Banswara, Barmer, Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Dholpur, Balotra, Deeg, Khairthal Tijara, Kotputli Behror, Phalodi, and Salumber.
The Minister assured that efforts will be made to complete the land allotment within this fiscal year. In addition, the state government has invited expressions of interest from institutions to manage hostels in rented premises across all districts.
Advertisements were published in newspapers on February 12, with proposals due by March 10.
Gehlot criticized the previous administration for its inaction regarding the Indira Gandhi Working Women Hostel scheme, which was announced in the 2023-24 Budget. The plan aimed to create hostels for 100 women at divisional headquarters and 50 women at district headquarters, yet no funds were allocated, and no hostels were established.
Conversely, the current government, under CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, has already submitted a Rs 165 crore proposal to the Centre.
Regarding the establishment of Balika Sainik Schools, Gehlot stated that 15 acres of land has been earmarked for the school at Government Higher Secondary School, Hathikheda, located in Ajmer district.
This proposal is presently under evaluation by the Ajmer Development Authority, with details of actions taken so far presented in the Assembly.
This initiative represents a crucial advancement towards women's empowerment by offering secure accommodation for working women and enhancing educational opportunities for girls.
