With the increasing number of working women in Mangaluru, the Department of Women and Child Welfare is moving ahead with plans for a third working women’s hostel. Currently, there are two such facilities in Konchady and Kankanady, and officials have identified two potential sites in the city for the new hostel, according to Usman A, Deputy Director of the department.
The two locations under consideration are Moodushedde and Hampankatta. Moodushedde has available government land, while Hampankatta, near Rosario Cathedral, features an existing building where an additional floor could be constructed to house the new hostel. Usman explained that developing the Hampankatta building would cost around Rs 40 lakh, while constructing a new facility in Moodushedde would require additional resources. A proposal has already been sent to the government for approval, and the department is awaiting a response.
The need for more working women’s hostels has grown due to the rising number of women joining the workforce. Moodushedde, which is about 10 km from the city center, is well-connected by public transport, making it a suitable location for the new facility. Currently, the two operating hostels are in rented spaces, with the government covering the rental costs.
Each existing hostel accommodates 50 women, with 10 reserved for scheduled castes and minorities. Presently, there are 77 women residing in the two hostels. Only women with a monthly income of up to Rs 50,000 are eligible, with common residents including hospital staff, nurses, and employees in retail. The monthly fee is Rs 2,700, which covers accommodation and food expenses.
In addition to the state-run hostels, four more facilities have been set up under a central government scheme in locations like Kankanady, Lalbagh, Konaje, and Puttur.
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