Coming up, 484-bed working women hostel in Mohali

Baljit Kaur, Punjab’s social security, women and child development minister, officially opened a 484‑bed working women hostel in Mohali’s Sector 66 on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the site of the new facility, with local MLA Kulwant Singh standing beside her as the doors were formally opened.

The hostel, designed to accommodate working women across the region, offers a total of 484 beds and is intended to provide a secure, affordable living option for those employed in nearby industries, offices and markets. By locating the centre in Sector 66, the state aims to serve a growing urban population where women often face challenges in finding safe accommodation close to their place of work.

The inauguration aligns with a broader push by the Punjab government to strengthen social safety nets for women. In recent years, the administration has expanded a range of schemes aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship, skill development and health services. The new hostel fits into this framework, offering a tangible step toward reducing the vulnerability of women who migrate to urban centres for employment.

Hostels for working women have been part of Punjab’s social infrastructure for decades, aiming to provide safe lodging for those who move from rural areas in search of jobs. The latest addition expands the capacity significantly, reflecting both population growth and policy priorities.

The MLA was present and welcomed the project, indicating that it responds to community demand. His presence underscored the collaborative effort between state officials and local representatives to address housing needs.

While specific details about the hostel’s amenities, management structure or projected occupancy were not disclosed during the event, officials said the facility will operate under the oversight of the state’s women and child development department. The department plans to coordinate with local authorities to ensure that safety standards are met and that the hostel remains accessible to those who need it most.

The 484‑bed hostel represents one of the larger residential projects launched by the state in recent years. In urban centres where housing scarcity is common, such facilities are seen as vital for supporting working women.

Residents in the area have expressed approval, noting that a nearby, secure residence can ease commuting pressures and improve daily life for female workers.

The project underscores the government’s ongoing effort to create inclusive environments for women across Punjab, and it may serve as a reference point for similar initiatives in other districts.

Earlier state programmes have included vocational training centres, micro‑credit schemes and health awareness campaigns, all designed to boost women’s participation in the labour market.

By providing secure housing, the new hostel removes one of the key barriers that often prevent women from pursuing employment opportunities in urban areas.

Source: Hindustan Times