The Garima Greh Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Government of India to provide dignity, safety, and basic living support to transgender persons who are homeless, abandoned, or economically vulnerable. Despite legal recognition and social reforms, many transgender individuals in India continue to face exclusion, poverty, and lack of access to safe housing.
The Garima Greh scheme aims to address these challenges by offering free shelter along with food, healthcare, counselling, and skill development support. By creating a secure and inclusive living environment, Garima Greh seeks to restore dignity and improve the quality of life of transgender persons across the country.
Overview
The table below gives the key insights of the Garima Grah Shelter Homes For Transgender Persons:-
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Scheme Name | Garima Greh Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons |
| Garima Greh scheme launch date | 25 November 2020 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Garima Greh in which city (Launch Location) | Vadodara, Gujarat |
| Target Beneficiaries | Transgender persons in need |
| Key Benefits | Free shelter, food, healthcare, counselling, recreation |
| Number of Shelters | 12 shelters across 9 states |
| Application Mode | Offline (through Garima Greh shelters/NGOs) |
| Official Portal | National Portal for Transgender Persons |
Latest News
As per official statements released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, over 650 transgender persons have benefited from the Garima Greh projects since their launch. However, in recent months, concerns have been raised by residents and civil society organisations regarding delays in fund release and operational challenges faced by some shelters. The government has acknowledged these issues and stated that efforts are being made to review implementation gaps and strengthen monitoring mechanisms under the Garima Greh guidelines under SMILE Scheme to ensure continuity of services.
What Is The Garima Greh Shelter Homes For Transgender Persons?
The government scheme, Garima Greh Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons, was introduced on 25 November 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. This answers the common question of Garima Greh in which city, as the scheme was first launched in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The Garima Greh scheme aims to provide transgender persons with basic amenities such as shelter, food, healthcare, counselling, and recreational facilities to improve their standard of living and provide a safe, supportive space. The scheme is completely free of cost, and transgender persons who are struggling to make ends meet can seek support at Garima Greh shelter homes.
The government has set up 12 Garima Greh shelter homes in 9 states. As per the government’s February press statement, “In total, 654 transgender persons have benefited through Garima Greh projects.
Objectives Of The Garima Greh Shelter Homes For Transgender Persons
The main objective of this government scheme is to provide a safe and secure place for transgender persons, in line with the Garima Greh guidelines. Other objectives include:
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Provide shelter with basic amenities like food, clothing, recreation, medical facilities and counselling.
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To protect the rights of transgender persons.
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To empower them through skill development and upgradation programmes.
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Increase the living standards.
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Help them lead a good life, and protect them from social stigmas.
Benefits Of The Garima Greh Shelter Homes For Transgender Persons
The scheme offers the following benefits to eligible transgender persons:
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Free and safe residential shelter.
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Nutritious food and basic daily necessities.
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Access to medical care and mental health counselling.
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Recreational and community engagement activities.
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Support for skill development and rehabilitation.
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A protected environment that promotes dignity and self-respect.
These benefits aim to help transgender persons stabilise their lives and gradually move towards self-reliance.
Eligibility Criteria To Apply For The Garima Greh Scheme
The main objective of this government scheme is to provide a safe and secure place for transgender persons, in line with the Garima Greh guidelines. Other objectives include:
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Transgender individuals with certification from the National Portal for Transgender Persons, preferably living below the poverty line, will be prioritised. Those with certification from other sources should try to register on the National Portal.
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Transgender persons who are abandoned, above the age of 18 and below the age of 60 years.
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Should not be involved in sex work and beggary.
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Should be unemployed and not be working in any productive commercial activities.
What Is The Application Process For Garima Greh Shelter Homes For Transgender Persons?
The application process is offline and handled through Garima Greh shelter homes or associated NGOs. There is currently no direct online application facility.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit the nearest Garima Greh Shelter Home or associated NGO (for example, applicants in Delhi may inquire locally for the Garima Greh Delhi address through the Social Welfare Department or authorised NGOs).
Step 2: Request the admission or registration form
Step 3: Fill in personal, identity, and background details
Step 4: Submit required documents for verification
Step 5: Shelter authorities assess eligibility and availability
Step 6: Admission is granted based on verification and vacancy
Documents Required
Applicants are generally required to submit the following documents:
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Transgender Certificate or ID (if available)
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Registration on the National Portal for Transgender Persons (preferred)
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Aadhaar card or any valid identity proof
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Age proof
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Income certificate or self-declaration of unemployment
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Passport-size photographs
Document requirements may vary slightly depending on the shelter or NGO.
Complications Of The Garima Greh Shelter Homes For Transgender Persons
Multiple transgender persons living in Garima Greh have recently come forward and said that the government has stopped funding for the shelter and is on the verge of collapse.
Problems faced
The government had promised them safe and secure shelters free of cost. But as of recently they have completely stopped funding for the shelters and the transgender persons are finding it immensely difficult to stay there.
Conclusion
The Garima Greh scheme is a noble and much-needed initiative aimed at ensuring safety, dignity, and basic living support for transgender persons in India. While the scheme has positively impacted hundreds of lives, ongoing funding and implementation challenges highlight the need for stronger monitoring and sustained support. With proper execution of the Garima Greh guidelines, the scheme can continue to play a crucial role in improving the lives of transgender persons across the country.
The Garima Greh Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons is a very noble initiative by the government to ensure the safety of transgender persons. This govt scheme still requires a lot of funding to keep it going, as people staying in the shelters have claimed that the government has stopped the funding.
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