Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening women’s empowerment, the Union Budget 2026 has proposed the establishment of girls’ hostels in every district across the country, aimed at improving access to education and ensuring safe accommodation for female students.
The initiative is intended to address one of the key barriers to girls’ education—lack of secure and affordable housing, particularly for students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds who pursue higher education away from home. Officials said the move is expected to help reduce dropout rates, especially at the secondary and tertiary education levels.
By creating safer living spaces, the government aims to encourage greater participation of women in higher education, skill development, and professional courses. The hostels are planned for both urban and rural districts, ensuring equitable access across regions.
The proposal aligns with the government’s broader focus on gender equality and inclusive development, recognising that education remains central to women’s long-term social and economic empowerment.
Officials noted that improved residential infrastructure for female students will not only enhance safety but also contribute to better educational outcomes, reinforcing the role of women as key drivers of India’s future growth.
-OdishaAge
