New Delhi, Feb 06 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir currently has only two functional working women hostels under the Sakhi Niwas Scheme, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
In a written reply, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the Sakhi Niwas scheme is a demand-driven, centrally sponsored programme, under which States and Union Territories assess their requirements and submit proposals accordingly.
The Ministry said that Rs 42.04 lakh has been released to Jammu and Kashmir during the 15th Finance Commission period for supporting Working Women Hostels in the Union Territory.
The Centre also said that under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme, funds have been allocated nationwide for construction of new Working Women Hostels, though Jammu and Kashmir is not among the States approved so far for hostel construction under this component.
The Sakhi Niwas scheme aims to provide safe and affordable accommodation for working women and women pursuing education or training, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas where employment opportunities exist, the Ministry added—(KNO)