Mumbai: In a significant step towards strengthening student accommodation facilities in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Improvements Committee has approved the selection of the Jain International Organisation (JIO) to manage and operate a hostel exclusively for female students in Kandivli East.
The decision marks an important move in expanding safe and affordable housing options for women pursuing education in the city. The proposed hostel will be located in Akurli village, Kandivli East, and is designed to cater to students aged 18 years and above.
According to official details, the facility is a ground-plus-five-storey building constructed on a civic plot measuring approximately 17,680 sq ft. The hostel will have a total of 45 rooms and 135 beds, making it a mid-sized residential facility aimed at accommodating a significant number of outstation female students.
The BMC selected Jain International Organisation from among four applicants, citing its over 11 years of experience in managing girls’ hostels and educational welfare institutions. Officials noted that the organisation’s track record in providing structured residential services was a key factor in its selection.
Under the agreement, JIO will be responsible for the overall management of the hostel, including maintenance, accommodation services, and dining arrangements. The organisation will also ensure the provision of nutritious meals and essential amenities for residents. Financial terms of the agreement specify that JIO will pay a licence fee of Rs 5 per sq ft per month, which amounts to approximately Rs 88,400 per month. The initial tenure of the contract is set for 11 months, with the possibility of renewal up to 20 times, subject to performance and compliance.
To ensure affordability for students, the BMC has also fixed a cap on accommodation charges. Residents will be charged a maximum of Rs 2,500 per month, excluding food expenses. This pricing structure is intended to keep the hostel accessible to students from economically weaker backgrounds.
The decision, however, was not without criticism. Opposition members, including Congress leader Ashraf Azmi, raised concerns over the selection process. He questioned the limited discussion within the committee and expressed apprehension about the increasing trend of handing over civic properties to private organisations. He also pointed to concerns regarding transparency and public accountability in the tendering process.
Despite the criticism, civic officials maintain that the initiative is part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure for women in Mumbai. The city has been witnessing a growing demand for safe and affordable accommodation for female students, particularly those migrating from other parts of Maharashtra and India.
The new hostel initiative is expected to provide not only housing but also a secure environment that supports academic growth and independence among young women. The BMC has previously launched similar facilities for working women and continues to expand its focus on gender-inclusive urban development. With this move, the civic body aims to bridge the gap in student housing availability and strengthen its commitment to women’s welfare and education support infrastructure in Mumbai.
