Patna: A new working women’s hostel, Aakanksha, was inaugurated on Wednesday in Patna’s IAS Colony in Rupaspur, marking what officials described as a step towards strengthening support systems for employed women in Bihar.
The facility, operated by the Women and Child Development Corporation, has accommodation for 50 women and will be managed by a superintendent, assistant superintendent, cook and other support staff. After Muzaffarpur and Patna, similar hostels are planned in Gayaji, Darbhanga and Bhagalpur.
Bandana Preyashi, secretary of social welfare department, said the initiative would reinforce the Mukhya Mantri Nari Shakti Yojana at the grassroots level. “Secure housing enables women to work without fear and supports their journey towards self-reliance,” she said, adding that such facilities would strengthen both women’s safety and public trust in urban centres.
The four-storey hostel has been designed for women who live alone and are employed in government or private sector jobs. Modelled on the concept of “Apna Ghar”, it will accommodate women earning up to Rs 75,000 per month.
Residents will not be required to pay rent but will contribute Rs 3,000 per month towards food expenses. The hostel provides beds, lockers, tables, chairs, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, electricity, RO drinking water, television and free Wi-Fi. Each floor is equipped with two kitchens that residents may use as needed.
Applications will be accepted online through the official portal of the Women and Child Development Corporation. Allotment will be on a first-come, first-served basis, followed by a counselling process before final selection.
Applicants must submit proof of employment in the district, identity documents, appointment letters, salary slips, details of a local guardian and, where applicable, relevant disability certificates.
