NEW DELHI: Garima Greh Shelter Homes was launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under the SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme to provide safe accommodation and support the transgender community.Despite growing awareness about transgender rights, many still face barriers in accessing housing, healthcare, education and employment. The Garmia Greh scheme will addressess these challenges by offering long-term support.What is the Garmia Greh shelter scheme for?The primary aim of Garima Greh is to provide shelter to destitute & abandoned transgender persons with basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities. The scheme aims to ensure that beneficiaries have access to a secure and inclusive environment where they can live with dignity and respect.The shelter will provide facilities such as lodging and boarding, clothing, recreation, and medical. The scheme will also provide legal aid and psychological counselling for reintegration into families and society. The scheme will focus on overall well-being and rehabilitation of residents.Focus on skill development and creating a safe and inclusive spaceThe scheme focuses on helping the transgender community become financially independent. The residents will be offered vocational training, skill-development programmes, and assistance for accessing employment opportunities.The Garima Greh shelter homes are designed to protect the transgender community from discrimination, abuse and social isolation. The homes will also encourage community participation among transgender persons and provide psychological support to help residents and rebuild confidence and reintegrate into society. Eligibility criteria for a transgender person to become a resident of Garima Greh:
- Persons with a transgenders certificate issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons, and preferably living below the poverty line.
- Transgenders persons who are abandoned, aged between 18 and 60 years
- Transgenders persons who are not be engaged in sex work or begging
- Transgenders persons must be unemployed and not engaged in any productive commercial activities
The initiative operates under the SMILE scheme, central government programme focused on the rehabilitation and welfare of marginalised communities. Under this scheme, the central government works with state governments and other implementing agenices. Garima Greh seeks to ensure that transgender persons receive comprehensive support and equal opportunities.
