Silchar: A significant step toward women’s empowerment and inclusive development was marked on Saturday with the foundation stone laying of Sakhi Niwas, a Working Women’s Hostel at Silcoorie, Silchar. The project is being implemented under the Assam Government’s Mission Shakti initiative.

Minister for Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs, Mines & Minerals and Barak Valley Development, Kaushik Rai, laid the foundation stone in the presence of Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya, District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, IAS, senior officials, dignitaries and members of the public.

Speaking at the event, Minister Kaushik Rai reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, to ensure balanced growth across both Barak and Brahmaputra valleys. He said the government’s approach is rooted in taking progress to every part of Assam without disparity, crediting the Chief Minister’s people-centric vision for making such projects possible.

Rai also referred to major ongoing developments in Cachar, including the Integrated District Commissioner’s Office Complex near Sonabarighat Bypass and the new Circuit House at Silchar.

These, he said, would modernize infrastructure, ease administrative operations, and reduce congestion in Silchar town while benefiting nearby rural areas.

On Sakhi Niwas, the Minister said it represents more than just a hostel—it stands for safety, dignity, and empowerment for women. Under Mission Shakti, he said, the government aims to provide secure, affordable accommodation and promote real gender equality.

He concluded by thanking the Chief Minister for his focus on public welfare and his continued support for transformative projects in Cachar.

Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya called the hostel the first of its kind in Cachar and praised both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for launching initiatives that directly improve women’s lives.

He said such a project had long been needed to address the housing and safety challenges faced by working women and students living away from their families.

The MP added that the hostel would not only offer accommodation but also a supportive environment that fosters confidence and dignity.

Citing nearby institutions such as NIT Silchar, Assam University, and Silchar Medical College, he stressed that Sakhi Niwas would be a valuable facility for professionals and students alike, and a model for women’s empowerment in the region.

District Commissioner Mridul Yadav shared the project details, informing that the hostel will be built at a cost of Rs. 8.4 crore. It will have 20 rooms with PG-style facilities at affordable rates. Priority will be given to disadvantaged women and those working away from home. He assured that safety and security will remain the top priority.

The DC highlighted the hostel’s prime location near key educational and professional hubs, ensuring easy access and reducing dependence on insecure accommodation.

Although the construction timeline is 18 months, he said efforts are being made—on the Chief Minister’s directive—to complete it by March 2026.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Deepa Das, ACS, Assistant Commissioner-cum-Incharge District Social Welfare Officer, Cachar, outlined the objectives of Mission Shakti. She said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing women’s socio-economic participation through safe and affordable housing, advancing gender equality in tangible ways.

The event was attended by Phyllis Hrangchal, ACS, Additional District Commissioner and Incharge Social Welfare, along with senior officials and dignitaries.

The foundation stone laying of Sakhi Niwas reaffirms the joint commitment of the Government of Assam and the District Administration, Cachar, to building a safe, inclusive and progressive environment for women.

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