To improve the living condition of widows in Vrindavan and Mathura, HUDCO and National Commission of Women (NCW) have joined hands.
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd, a Government of India Undertaking, and NCW today signed an agreement under which Hudco will provide its expertise and services for reconstruction of existing structures where women in distress are housed.
To begin with Hudco will undertake such project for widows in Vrindavan and Mathura.
"Vrindavan is one of such examples where destitute widows are living in such conditions and we will begin the pilot project from there only. We are hoping that private companies will too join us in this endeavour," Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministry Ajay Maken said after signing the MoU.
Under the MoU, NCW will identify the areas where the activity and projects have to be undertaken on the basis of vulnerability and need, while HUDCO will provide funds and technical support.
Besides providing the living quarters, the project will also facilitate setting up kitchens and toilets at pre-identified sites.
"We have just started. We will give them technical advise and we will do whatever is possible at the particular site to improve the living conditions of these women," Maken said.
On whether he will write to the private companies to participate in the process, Maken said they may get the encouragement from HUDCO's initiative.
"I think by setting an example ourselves we are motivating others to follow it. Instead of writing to them, it is a better way of motivating others to come and do the same thing. When HUDCO can do such an exemplary thing with its small meagre resources, why can't other big private companies," he said.
Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath was also present on the occasion and applauded the HUDCO and NCW for their efforts.
"The project will provide better living condition for women in distress," Tirath said, hoping that this cooperation will strengthen further in future.
