Working Women Hostel Scheme — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Working Women Hostel Scheme 2026 — Subsidised Safe Hostel for Working Women | wcd.nic.in |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 1972 |
| Benefit | Affordable/subsidised safe hostel accommodation for working women — crèche for children — 900+ hostels across India |
| Category | Women |
| Last Verified | 16 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/working-women-hostel |
What is Working Women Hostel Scheme?
Working Women Hostel Scheme is a central government scheme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development that promotes construction and expansion of hostels for working women (including widows) living away from home in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. The scheme provides grant assistance to NGOs, cooperative societies, state governments, municipal bodies, and state housing boards for building/expanding Working Women Hostels. Grant: up to 75% of project cost (max ₹60 lakh for new hostel) or up to 60% for expansion. Each hostel must have at least 50 rooms. Facilities mandated: crèche (day care) for children up to 5 years of residents, common area, security, mess. Rent subsidy: women with income ≤ ₹50,000/month can stay; those with income ≤ ₹20,000/month may get priority. Hostel managed by the grantee organisation. Over 900 operational hostels across India. To find nearest hostel: contact State WCD department.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Affordable/subsidised safe hostel accommodation for working women — crèche for children — 900+ hostels across India. The scheme was launched in 1972 and is implemented by the Government of India.
कामकाजी महिला छात्रावास योजना — NGO/राज्य सरकार को ₹60 लाख तक grant (75% cost) Working Women Hostel बनाने के लिए। प्रत्येक hostel में crèche, mess, security अनिवार्य। ₹50,000/माह income तक की कामकाजी महिलाएं। 900+ hostels।
सस्ता और सुरक्षित छात्रावास — crèche बच्चों के लिए — 900+ hostels भारत में
Benefits of Working Women Hostel Scheme
Affordable/subsidised safe hostel accommodation for working women — crèche for children — 900+ hostels across India
Who is Eligible for Working Women Hostel Scheme?
- ✓Working women (employed, self-employed, apprentices, trainees) living away from home
- ✓Monthly income ≤ ₹50,000 per month
- ✓Widows, separated women, and single working women prioritised
- ✓Children up to 5 years of age can accompany the mother
- ✓Priority to SC/ST/OBC women and women from NER
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Documents Required for Working Women Hostel Scheme
How to Apply for Working Women Hostel Scheme Online?
- 1Visit the official portal at https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/working-women-hostel
- 2Click on Apply Now or Register button on the homepage
- 3Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify OTP
- 4Fill in the online application form with required details
- 5Upload the required documents including Aadhaar and bank passbook
- 6Review all details and submit the application
- 7Note down the application reference number for future tracking
- 8Wait for verification and approval from the concerned authority
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on wcd.nic.in/schemes/working-women-hostelFrequently Asked Questions — Working Women Hostel Scheme
Common Questions About Women Schemes
What is PM Ujjwala Yojana 2.0?+
PMUY 2.0 extends the scheme to more beneficiaries including migrants and adds portability for refills anywhere in India.
How to apply for PM Ujjwala Yojana?+
Visit the nearest LPG distributor (HP, Bharatgas, or Indane) or apply online at pmuy.gov.in with your Aadhaar and BPL certificate.
What is the current interest rate for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?+
The interest rate is 8.2% per annum for FY 2025-26, compounded annually. This rate is reviewed quarterly by the government. It is one of the highest government-guaranteed rates in India — higher than PPF (7.1%) and NSC (7.7%).
Where can I open a Sukanya Samriddhi account?+
Open an SSY account at any post office or authorized banks: SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, and most major banks. You need the girl's birth certificate and parent's Aadhaar/PAN.
What are the key benefits of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao?+
Benefits include financial incentives for families with girl children, free education support, improved healthcare for girls, and community awareness programs to prevent female foeticide.
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Related Women Schemes
PM Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 — Free LPG Connection
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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana 2026 — 8.2% Interest Girl Child Savings Scheme
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed savings scheme for girl children offering one of the highest fixed interest rates (8.2% p.a.) with full tax exemption under Section 80C. Minimum deposit just Rs.250/year; maximum Rs.1.5 lakh/year. Account matures 21 years from opening or at marriage after age 18.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana 2026 — Girl Child Education & Welfare Scheme
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a national mission launched in 2015 to address India's declining child sex ratio (CSR) and ensure the survival, protection, education, and empowerment of the girl child. The scheme operates across all 640 districts with a multi-ministry approach involving Women and Child Development, Health, and Education. Key interventions include community awareness campaigns against sex-selective abortion, free education support for girl students under the Sukanya Samriddhi and Udaan programmes, and Anganwadi-based health support. Financial incentives like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts are linked to BBBP to encourage families to invest in their daughters' future.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) 2025
PMMVY provides Rs.5,000 cash incentive to pregnant and lactating women for the first living child to partially compensate for wage loss and encourage institutional delivery and proper nutrition.