Sakhi Niwas—Working Women Hostel Scheme: Full Details, Benefits, Eligibility, and Application Process! | Working Women’s Hostel – Sakhi Niwas | Sakhi Niwas Portal Login | Sakhi Niwas Yojana | Working Women Hostel Scheme India | Sakhi Niwas Eligibility | Sakhi Niwas Rent Rules
Today, women’s participation is rapidly expanding across all sectors. Whether for education, employment, business, or training, women often find themselves needing to live away from their families. In such scenarios, the demand for safe, affordable, and convenient accommodation becomes paramount. Addressing this crucial need, the Government of India operates the Working Women’s Hostel Scheme, now widely recognized as the “Sakhi Niwas” scheme. This initiative, officially known as the Sakhi Niwas—Working Women Hostel scheme, aims to support women in their pursuits.
In this blog, we will delve into all important information related to this scheme in simple language—such as its objective, benefits, eligibility, rent rules, application process, operational guidelines, and financial arrangements.
Introduction to the Scheme
The Working Women’s Hostel Scheme was launched in the year 1972-73. Its objective was to provide safe and affordable accommodation to women who live away from their families due to their job or training.
Later, to further strengthen women’s empowerment, the “Mission Shakti” program was launched from April 01, 2022. Under this, the scheme was renamed “Sakhi Niwas”.
Under the new system, some changes have also been made to the scheme:
- Previously, grants were provided for building construction.
- Now, assistance is provided for operational costs, administrative expenses, and rented buildings.
Objective of Sakhi Niwas Scheme
The main objectives of the Sakhi Niwas scheme are:
- To provide safe accommodation to working women.
- To assist women living away from home for jobs or training.
- To provide facilities to female students pursuing higher education.
- To create affordable and dignified living arrangements for women.
- To provide accommodation near the workplace.
This scheme plays a significant role in making women self-reliant and improving their standard of living.
Key Highlights
- New Sakhi Niwas hostels are being constructed in cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, and Noida under Mission Shakti 5.0.
- Each hostel has a capacity to accommodate approximately 50 women.
- Married women can bring their children along:
- Daughters: up to 18 years
- Sons: up to 12 years
- The Central and State Governments jointly bear the expenses of this scheme.
- This scheme provides safe accommodation for women, conveniently located near their workplaces.
Benefits of the Sakhi Niwas Scheme
Under the Sakhi Niwas scheme, women are provided with several types of facilities:
1. Affordable Accommodation
Women get accommodation at low charges.
2. Modern Facilities
- Living rooms
- Dining hall (mess)
- Library
- Gym
- TV lounge
- Day-care center (creche)
3. Safe Environment
- 24×7 security
- CCTV
- Female staff
4. Facilities for Children
- Day-care center
- Relief for working mothers
Rent Structure
Rent in Sakhi Niwas is determined according to women’s income:
- Single Room: Maximum 15% of salary
- Double Room: Maximum 10% of salary
- Dormitory: Maximum 7.5% of salary
Day-care Fee:
- 5% of mother’s income or actual expense (whichever is less)
For Trainee Women:
- Rent will not be higher than for other working women.
- If possible, the fee will be borne by the training institution.
Who are the Beneficiaries?
The following women can benefit from this scheme:
- Unmarried women
- Widowed women
- Divorced women
- Separated women
- Married women (whose family does not reside in the same city)
Special Priority:
- Women from poor and disadvantaged sections
- Women with disabilities
Provisions for Children
- Daughters up to 18 years and sons up to 12 years can stay with their mothers.
- Day-care facility is available.
- Working women receive assistance with childcare.
Rules for Women Undergoing Training
- Training period should not exceed 1 year.
- Trainees cannot exceed 30% of the total capacity.
- Working women will be given priority.
Income Limit
- In Metros: Up to ₹50,000 per month
- In Other Areas: Up to ₹35,000 per month
If the income limit is exceeded:
- The hostel must be vacated within 6 months.
Duration of Stay
- Allowed to stay for a maximum of 3 years.
- Extension possible in special circumstances.
- Total duration not to exceed 5 years.
Eligible Agencies (Implementation Agencies)
The following organizations can establish Sakhi Niwas hostels:
- State Government Agencies
- Municipal Corporations and Panchayats
- Self-Help Groups (SHG)
- Universities and Colleges
- NGOs and Social Organizations
- Public Trusts
- Corporate Bodies (e.g., ASSOCHAM, CII, FICCI)
Sakhi Niwas Scheme: Application Process
For Agencies:
- State government invites applications.
- Prescribed form needs to be filled and submitted.
- Necessary documents must be attached.
- Decision is taken by the Project Sanctioning Committee.
For Women:
- Apply by visiting the hostel.
- Submit required documents.
- Deposit the fee.
Sakhi Niwas Scheme: Required Documents
For Women:
- Aadhar Card Aadhar Card Update
- Family details
For Agencies:
- Organization details
- 3-year report
- Balance sheet
- Building plan
- Permission certificate
Operational Guidelines under the Working Women’s Hostel (Sakhi Niwas) Scheme!
For the effective and smooth operation of the Sakhi Niwas scheme, detailed guidelines have been laid down by the Government of India and State Governments. Their objective is to ensure that working women and female students receive safe, clean, affordable, and convenient accommodation. These guidelines are explained in simple language below.
1. Eligibility and Duration of Stay
The following eligibility criteria have been set for staying in Sakhi Niwas:
- Working women such as:
- Unmarried
- Widowed
- Divorced
- Separated women
- Married women (whose family does not reside in the same city)
- Women undergoing training for employment can also stay, provided:
- The training period does not exceed 1 year
- Trainees do not exceed 30% of the total capacity
- Working women will be given priority
- Female students pursuing higher education are also eligible.
- With working women:
- Daughters up to 18 years
- Sons up to 12 years
can stay
- Priority will be given to women from disadvantaged sections and women with disabilities.
- Income Limit:
- Maximum ₹35,000 per month (exemption possible in some cases)
- If income increases, then:
- Sakhi Niwas must be vacated within 6 months
Duration of Stay:
- Allowed to stay for a maximum of 3 years.
- Duration can be extended in special circumstances.
- Total maximum duration limited to 5 years.
2. Rent and Fee Guidelines
Women residing in Sakhi Niwas are charged rent at an affordable rate:
- Single Room: Maximum 15% of income
- Double Room: Maximum 10% of income
- Dormitory: Maximum 7.5% of income
Day-care Fee:
- Maximum 5% of mother’s income or actual expense (whichever is less)
For Trainee Women:
- Rent will not be higher than for other working women.
- If possible, the fee will be borne by the training institution.
Note: Separate charges may apply for facilities like mess, washing machine, etc.
3. Accommodation Allotment Rules
- Women with children will be given priority for:
- Single or double rooms.
- Dormitories are primarily for single women.
4. Location and Basic Facilities
Sakhi Niwas hostels should be established with priority in the following locations:
- Near bus stands
- Close to hospitals
- Around police stations
- Near industrial and workplaces
Mandatory Facilities:
- Clean and airy rooms
- Secure premises
- Day-care center
- First aid facility
- Emergency medical assistance
5. Safety and Management
- The hostel should have 24×7 security arrangements.
- CCTV cameras should be installed.
- All staff members will be women.
- Male staff will not be appointed.
6. Hygiene and Maintenance
- Maintaining cleanliness in the premises is mandatory.
- Regular cleaning and adherence to health standards should be observed.
- Timely maintenance of the building is essential.
7. Management Committee (HIMC)
A Hostel Management Committee is formed for the operation of Sakhi Niwas:
Committee Structure:
- District Women and Child Development Officer (Chairperson)
- Sakhi Niwas Manager
- 2 Senior Women Residents
- Social Worker/NGO Representative
- Other Nominated Members
Functions:
- Monitoring operations
- Providing suggestions
- Submitting quarterly reports
Meetings:
- Twice a month
- Special meetings as required
8. Record and Document Management
- Maintaining individual records for each woman is mandatory.
- Separate records for children must also be maintained.
- All administrative documents must be kept secure.
9. Facilities and Services
The following additional facilities should be provided in Sakhi Niwas:
- Mess facility
- Washing machine
- Day-care center
- First aid
- Emergency doctor facility
10. Financial Management
- The amount received from rent will be used for the following purposes:
- Maintenance
- Staff salaries
- Electricity-water bills
- Other services
11. Operating Hours
- Sakhi Niwas will remain open 24×7.
- All services will be available at all times.
12. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Regular monitoring by District Administration.
- Review every 2 years.
- Quality of operation is ensured.
FAQs about Sakhi Niwas – Working Women Hostel scheme
1. Who can apply for Sakhi Niwas Hostel?
Under the Sakhi Niwas scheme, women who are working, pursuing higher education, or involved in vocational training can apply. Unmarried, married (living separately from family), widowed, and divorced women are also eligible.
2. What facilities are available at Sakhi Niwas?
Sakhi Niwas provides women with safe and convenient accommodation along with several modern facilities, such as—dining hall (mess), library, gym, TV lounge, day-care (creche), first aid, and other essential services.
3. How to apply for hostel admission?
To gain admission to Sakhi Niwas, interested women must apply in person at the respective hostel. They need to fill out the application form, submit it with the required documents, and pay the prescribed fee.
4. What documents are required for application?
The following documents are primarily required for hostel admission:
- Aadhar Card Aadhar Card Update
- Details of family members
- (If required) Income certificate
5. Is there a fee to stay at Sakhi Niwas?
Yes, women are required to pay a nominal fee to stay at Sakhi Niwas, based on their income. This fee is kept affordable so that more women can benefit from it.
6. What is the eligibility for the Sakhi Niwas scheme?
Under this scheme, working women, students, and women undergoing training are eligible. Specifically, women whose families do not reside in the same city can benefit from this scheme. Priority is given to women from disadvantaged sections and women with disabilities.
7. What is the objective of the Sakhi Niwas scheme?
The main objective of this scheme is to provide safe, affordable, and workplace-proximate accommodation to working women in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, enabling them to focus on their careers and education without worry.
Conclusion: Sakhi Niwas—Working Women Hostel scheme
The Sakhi Niwas scheme is an important initiative by the Government of India, helping women become self-reliant. This scheme not only provides safe accommodation but also offers women the opportunity to advance their careers and education.
In today’s era, as women progress in every field, schemes like Sakhi Niwas provide a strong foundation for them. If you or someone you know can benefit from this scheme, be sure to share information about it.
The operational guidelines of the Sakhi Niwas scheme ensure that working women receive a safe, dignified, and convenient environment. Through these rules, not only is accommodation arranged, but the overall development and safety of women are also taken care of.