Andhra Pradesh government sanctions three women's hostels in Vizag

Time of India

07-05-2025

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh govt has granted administrative sanction for the construction of working women's hostels at three locations in Visakhapatnam, including Mudasarlova, Madhurawada, and Narava. The hostel at Mudasarlova, adjacent to the BRTS (bus rapid transit system) road, will be built on two acres, while the facility at Madhurawada will come up on about 1.1 acre land.The Greater Visakhapatnam Smart City Corporation Limited (GVSCCL), a special purpose vehicle floated to implement Vizag Smart City project, will implement this project under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Under this PPP model, ownership of hostels will remain with the state govt, while a private entity will manage operations and maintenance. With an approved capital outlay of Rs 172 crore, the proposal was submitted under the Union govt's special assistance to states for capital investment (SASCI) scheme for 2024–25 and has received formal approval.Given the limited availability of govt-run hostels for working women, these facilities are expected to meet significant public demand. Recent expansions in Visakhapatnam's IT, pharmaceutical, and service sectors have created more employment opportunities, potentially attracting a larger workforce and students seeking higher education or professional training. In this context, the new hostels will serve as essential infrastructure for women relocating to the city for work or for higher education.Officials claim that the initiative will advance gender-inclusive urban infrastructure and increase female labour force participation. The key objective of these propose hostels is to provide safe, secure, and affordable accommodations for working women and those preparing to enter the workforce. Experts claim that such facilities are vital for enhancing women's economic participation, which will be a crucial step in achieving the vision of 'women-led development.'Municipal administration and urban development principal secretary S Suresh Kumar said that these hostels will be equipped with modern amenities, ample parking, food courts, and spaces for recreational and cultural activities. "By offering well-furnished, secure accommodations, these hostels will support women's mobility, independence, and access to employment opportunities. Following administrative approval, the govt has directed the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) mission director and the GVSCCL CEO to oversee implementation," he said."All procedural requirements—including public financial management system integration, financial reporting, and strict adherence to project timelines—must align with the scheme's guidelines. This initiative reflects the Andhra Pradesh government's forward-thinking approach to creating inclusive urban spaces that empower women and foster sustainable development," Kumar added.The central scheme aims to ensure the availability of safe, strategically located accommodations for working women and those pursuing higher education or vocational training in areas where employment opportunities for women exist.