The State government has directed the Social Welfare Department to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to start modern working women’s hostels across the State, including in Chennai.
While six of them have been planned, the first one will be coming up at Vadapalani.
The SPV — Tamil Nadu Working Women Hostels Corporation Limited — will be in charge of constructing and maintaining the hostels that are being planned in Chennai, Hosur, Krishnagiri, Kancheepuram, Coimbatore and Tiruchi in association with the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation (TNIFMC).
Unlike the existing 28 hostels which cater mainly to the economically backward sections, the new hostels will benefit all sections of the society.
“While studio apartments will be offered for the high-income group, two-bed sharing rooms will be provided for those from the middle class while those from economically backward sections will be offered six-bed sharing rooms,” said an official from the Social Welfare Department.
The SPV will also conduct a feasibility study on the demand for such hostels in these districts and arrive at the number of beds needed and the infrastructure required. Though a cross-subsidy model is planned, sources said that the State government will decide on the room rates.
While the studio apartment will be expensive , the dormitory rates are expected to be low. The hostels will have a creche, a modern gymnasium, an entertainment area, CCTV cameras and wi-fi among other facilities.