The Centre had given permission for one such hostel in each of the 530 blocks out of the total 534 in the state, he said in a statement in reply to a question of ruling BJP MLA Avanish Kumar.
Shahi said land was not a problem for the construction of the hostels and Bihar State Infrastructure Development Corporation had started construction of 91 approved girls hostels in 2010 and of 166 in 20111 and released the funds required for the purpose.
Work for the rest of the hostels would begin in 2012 and would be completed by 2013.
He said the delay in construction was caused by non-release of funds by the Centre to the state on a regular basis, besides delay in approval of the construction design by it.