Swadhar Greh

The Ministry of Women and Child Development implements the Swadhar Greh Scheme, targeting women who have faced adversity and need institutional support for rehabilitation to lead dignified lives. The scheme aims to provide these women with a safe place to live, food, clothes, and health care, as well as financial and social security.

Objectives

We will establish Swadhar Grehs in every district, each capable of accommodating up to 30 women. These havens aim to cater to the basic needs of women in distress who lack social and economic support. This includes providing shelter, food, clothing, medical care, and nurturing.
Swadhar Grehs will offer counseling and support to aid in this process of emotional healing and empowerment.
Understanding the complexities of legal proceedings can be daunting for anyone, especially for women in distress.
Swadhar Grehs will provide them with legal assistance and education, guiding them through the process of reintegrating into their families and society with confidence and knowledge.
Rehabilitation is not just about addressing immediate needs; it’s about empowering individuals to reclaim their lives. Through both economic and emotional support programs, Swadhar Grehs will work towards the holistic rehabilitation of women, helping them regain their independence and self-sufficiency.
Recognizing that each woman’s journey is unique, Swadhar Grehs will serve as a personalized support system. By understanding and catering to their individual needs, we aim to provide a nurturing environment where women can feel understood, supported, and empowered to overcome their challenges.

Strategies

The following tactics would be used to achieve the aforementioned goals:

Food, clothes, medical care, and other necessities are provided in a temporary home setting.
Vocational and skill-upgrading training for such women’s economic rehabilitation.
Counselling, public awareness, and behavioural training.
Legal advice and assistance.
Telephone-based counselling.

Beneficiaries

The component’s benefit is available to women over the age of 18 who fall into the following categories:

Women who have been abandoned and find themselves without any social or financial support desperately need assistance.
Women who have become homeless due to natural disasters and lack social or economic help face significant challenges.
Women who are released from prison and have no family, friends, or financial resources to rely on require support to reintegrate into society.
Women who feel compelled to flee their homes due to domestic violence, family conflicts, or other reasons, and lack protection from exploitation or legal assistance face immense difficulties.
Women and girls who have been trafficked or rescued from exploitative situations, including those affected by HIV/AIDS and lacking social or economic aid, urgently need support. However, those in areas covered by the UJJAWALA Scheme should initially seek assistance through that program.
Women who have experienced domestic violence may be allowed to stay for up to a year, while other women facing various challenges may be accommodated for up to three years. Older women aged 55 and above may stay for a maximum of 5 years before transitioning to elder care facilities.

Implementing Agencies and Eligibility Criteria

Any of the following agencies/organizations can seek assistance under the Scheme:

State Government agencies, including Women Development Corporations established by the State Governments, actively participate in various initiatives aimed at promoting women’s development.
Central or State autonomous bodies play a significant role in implementing programs aimed at empowering women.
Municipal Bodies are actively working to address women’s issues and promote their welfare at the local level.
Cantonment Boards also participate in initiatives concerning women’s welfare within their respective areas.
Panchayati Raj Institutions and Co-operative institutions contribute to women’s development through grassroots-level efforts and community participation.
Departments of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare of the State Governments oversee the construction and management of Swadhar Greh facilities, either independently or through leasing to experienced organizations.
Public Trusts, which operate under applicable laws, actively support women’s causes and initiatives.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including NGOs, that have demonstrated success in promoting women’s welfare, social welfare, or women’s education, can participate in schemes and programs aimed at empowering women if they register under relevant laws.

The organization – Public Trusts and CSOs should meet the following criteria:

The organization must either possess official recognition from the State/UT Administration according to existing laws or have a solid reputation with at least 3 years of experience in the field. Furthermore, the relevant State Government/Union Territory Administration should approve its work.
Before applying for financial assistance under the scheme, the organization should have been actively involved in women’s welfare, social welfare, or women’s education for a minimum of two years.
The organization must have the necessary facilities, resources, staff, and prior experience to effectively manage the project.
Its financial situation should be stable enough to cover expenses for several months in case there are delays in receiving the grant.
The organization should operate the Swadhar Greh without seeking profits.
The Swadhar Greh facility should be equipped with essential amenities such as computers and internet access.

Components of the Scheme

The grant for constructing buildings is available to State Governments, Municipal Corporations, Cantonment Boards, and Panchayati Raj Institutions exclusively.
Implementing agencies must provide land for construction free of charge.
The grant is capped at Rs. 1,33,000 per resident.
Swadhar Greh operating in rented premises is eligible for rent assistance.
For a Swadhar Greh accommodating 30 residents:
Monthly rent in grade ‘A’ cities is capped at Rs. 50,000.In grade ‘B’ cities, the maximum rent is Rs. 30,000 per month.
In other locations, the limit is Rs. 18,000 per month.
Assistance covers both recurring and non-recurring expenses for managing Swadhar Greh facilities.
Support includes provisions for food, shelter, clothing, medical care, pocket expenses for residents and children.
Additionally, services like counseling, legal aid, vocational training, and guidance are provided.