Chandigarh, November 21, 2025: The Punjab government has cleared a proposal to construct five new hostels for working women across three major cities, allocating ₹150 crore for the project. Officials said three hostels will come up in Mohali, while one each will be built in Amritsar and Jalandhar.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann approved the plan this week and said the aim is to address the long-standing housing challenges faced by women who move to urban centres for work. “Safe and reasonably priced accommodation is a basic requirement for any woman pursuing her career away from home,” he said, adding that the new units are intended to reduce both safety worries and financial strain.
Punjab last expanded such infrastructure in 2019, when two working women’s hostels were opened in Ludhiana and Patiala at a cost of around ₹35 crore. Together, they have housed more than 200 women so far. Residents say the facilities have made a significant difference to their monthly budgets. “I used to pay ₹8,000 in rent earlier. At the hostel, everything comes to about ₹3,500,” said Neha Sharma, who works in a private firm.
Officials say the demand for secure accommodation has risen sharply as more women migrate to cities such as Mohali, Amritsar and Jalandhar, which have emerged as hubs for IT services, trade and industry. Many choose not to relocate due to safety concerns or high housing costs.
The new hostels are expected to offer 24-hour security, CCTV coverage, Wi-Fi, common facilities, a gym, a library and medical support. Each building will be able to house between 150 and 200 occupants, benefiting close to a thousand women once fully occupied.
According to the Social Welfare Department, the design of the upcoming hostels incorporates feedback from residents of earlier facilities. “We reviewed what worked and what did not,” said Dr. Simranjit Kaur. “This time, we have paid particular attention to proximity to workplaces, access to transportation and reasonable fees.”
Economists note that improved housing options for women could have a wider economic effect. Professor Mandeep Kaur of Panjab University said stable living conditions often translate into sustained workforce participation. “Higher participation of women in the labour force contributes to overall economic growth,” she said.
Construction of the new units is expected to be completed within two years, officials added.
