Foundation stone of ‘Sakhi Niwas’ working women’s hostel laid at Silcoorie

way2barak, October 4: Major step towards women’s empowerment and inclusive growth was taken on Saturday at Silcoorie, with the foundation stone laying of Sakhi Niwas, a Working Women’s Hostel being built under the Mission Shakti scheme of the Assam Government. The event was led by Minister for Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs, Mines & Minerals and Barak Valley Development, Kaushik Rai, who laid the foundation stone in the presence of Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya, District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, senior officials, dignitaries and members of the public.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Kaushik Rai reiterated the state government’s commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, to ensure balanced development across both Barak and Brahmaputra valleys. He said the government’s guiding principle has been to take progress to every corner of Assam without disparity, crediting the Chief Minister’s people-centric vision for making such projects possible.

Minister Rai also highlighted key projects in Cachar such as the Integrated District Commissioner’s Office Complex near Sonabarighat Bypass and the new Circuit House at Silchar, stating that these would modernise infrastructure, ease administrative functioning, reduce congestion in Silchar town and extend benefits to rural areas. Turning to Sakhi Niwas, he remarked that it was more than just a hostel , a symbol of safety, dignity and empowerment for women. He added that under Mission Shakti, the government’s aim is to ensure equal opportunity, secure and affordable accommodation, and real progress in gender equality. The Minister concluded by thanking the Chief Minister for his relentless focus on people’s welfare, crediting his leadership for bringing transformative projects to Cachar.

Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya, in his speech, hailed the hostel project as the first of its kind in Cachar and lauded both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for policy initiatives that directly touch women’s lives. He pointed out that never before had such a project been taken up in the district to address the housing and safety needs of working women and students living away from their families. He underlined that the hostel would provide not just accommodation but also a secure, supportive environment that would enhance dignity and confidence. Referring to premier institutions like NIT Silchar, Assam University and Silchar Medical College, the MP stressed the importance of such a facility for professionals and students in Silchar. He said the hostel would become a model for women’s welfare and empowerment, reflecting the government’s vision of creating a society where women can flourish in every field.

District Commissioner of Cachar, Mridul Yadav, shared the project details, he stated that the hostel will be constructed at a cost of Rs 8.4 crore with 20 rooms and PG-style facilities at affordable rates. He said priority would be given to disadvantaged women and those compelled to stay away from their families for work, while assuring that safety and security would remain top priority. DC Yadav underlined the advantage of its location near NIT Silchar, Assam University and Silchar Medical College, ensuring easy access to workplaces and institutions without women having to seek insecure or far-off accommodation. He informed that although the construction period is 18 months, efforts are underway, under the Chief Minister’s directive, to complete the hostel by March 2026 to make it available at the earliest.

Earlier, In her welcome address, Deepa Das,  Assistant Commissioner-cum-Incharge District Social Welfare Officer, Cachar, outlined the objectives of Mission Shakti. She said the project aims to promote women’s empowerment by providing safe, secure and affordable housing, reflecting the government’s dedication to improving women’s socio-economic participation and ensuring gender equality in practical terms.

The event was also attended by Phyllis Hrangchal, Additional District Commissioner and Incharge Social Welfare, along with senior officials and dignitaries, who witnessed the landmark occasion.

The foundation stone laying of Sakhi Niwas stands as a testimony to the Government of Assam and the District Administration, Cachar, reaffirming their joint commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and progressive environment for women.

This was stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.