Patna: The Bihar government has announced a new welfare initiative offering free hostel accommodation for working women, marking a significant step towards improving safety and living conditions for women employed away from their homes.
The scheme, launched under the Mukhyamantri Nari Suraksha Yojana, will initially cover Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur. While accommodation will be provided free of charge, residents will pay a monthly food fee of Rs 3,000.
According to officials, the hostels are being developed and operated by the Bihar Women Development Corporation, and are designed to provide a secure, respectful, and domestic environment. Each facility will have a capacity of 50 beds and will cater primarily to women working in government and private-sector jobs who have migrated from other districts or states.
Eligibility has been capped at a maximum monthly income of Rs 75,000, ensuring that the scheme benefits women who are economically active but may struggle with safe and affordable housing.
The hostels will be equipped with basic and modern amenities, including beds, desks, round-the-clock electricity, clean drinking water through RO systems, television, free Wi-Fi, housekeeping services, and comprehensive security arrangements. Officials said special emphasis has been placed on safety so that women can live “without fear”.
Applications for accommodation will be accepted online through the official portal of the Women and Child Development Corporation once the facilities are fully operational next month. Allotment will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, followed by a counselling process for final selection.
Applicants will be required to submit proof of employment, identity documents, appointment letters, salary slips, details of a local guardian, and disability certificates where applicable.
Administrative preparations for the hostels are nearly complete, with superintendents, assistant staff, cooks, and support personnel already appointed. The first hostel is scheduled to begin operations in Patna’s Gola Road area.
Senior officials described the initiative as a major reinforcement of the state’s women’s safety framework. By providing secure and affordable accommodation, the government hopes to enable working women to pursue employment opportunities with confidence, thereby strengthening their independence and participation in public life.
As Bandana Preyasi, secretary of Bihar’s social welfare department, said, the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that women not only work, but do so with dignity, security, and support.
