Mangaluru: With the growing number of working women in the district, the department of women and child welfare has planned for a third working women's hostel. Currently, there are such facilities in Konchady and Kankanady.
The officials identified two places in Mangaluru city, said Usman A, deputy director of the department of women and child development. "We have seen two places in Moodushedde and Hampankatta. Moodushedde has govt land, and in Hampankatta, near Rosario Cathedral, there is an existing building with plans to construct an extra floor for the facility," explained Usman.
The existing building in Hampankatta can be developed at a cost of Rs 40 lakh, whereas new building is required to be constructed in Moodushedde. "We sent the proposal to the govt for approval and are awaiting a response. There are demands for the hostel facility as the number of working women is increasing day by day. Moodushedde is 10km away from the city and has ample bus facilities. This location is suitable for constructing a working women's hostel. The two currently operating hostels are in rented buildings, and the govt bears the rental costs," said Usman.
Each existing working women's hostel has a capacity of 50, with 10 seats reserved for scheduled castes and minorities. "Currently, there are 77 inmates in these two hostels. Only women with an income limit of Rs 50,000 are eligible for accommodation in the hostel. Those working in hospitals, nurses, and those employed in clothing stores have taken shelter in the hostel," he said. They pay a monthly fee of Rs 2,700, including Rs 1,500 for food expenses.
Apart from state-run working women's hostels, there are four other working women's hostels constructed under a central govt scheme. They are situated in Kankanady, Lalbagh, Konaje, and Puttur.