Launched in 2013 by the Department of Women & Child Welfare, Government of Sikkim, the Sikkim Grant Of Award To Transgender (SGATT) scheme aims to provide financial support and educational opportunities to transgender individuals from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. This initiative targets transgender persons who have no regular source of income or financial support and are not receiving any other government pension.
Benefits
- Monthly Grant:
- ₹12,000 per month for transgender beneficiaries (age group 0-6 years).
- Free Education:
- 100% free education provided up to graduation level.
- Unemployment Assistance:
- A monthly benefit of ₹500 for those who are unemployed despite having required qualifications.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the SGATT scheme, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Sikkim.
- Identify as transgender.
- Belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- Not be receiving any salary, pension, or family pension from the State Government, Central Government, or any other source.
- Have opened a bank account under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
Note:
- The grant ceases upon the death of the beneficiary, with any due amount paid to immediate family members.
- In case of permanent migration outside Sikkim, grant payments will stop from the date of migration and the beneficiary’s passbook must be surrendered to the department.
Application Process
Offline & Online Application
- Approach the Local Authority:
- Visit the concerned Gram Panchayat, Municipality, or Municipal Corporation office. Consult with the designated authority regarding the application process and collect the application form.
- Fill and Attach Documents:
- Complete the application form by filling in all mandatory fields. Attach all required self-attested documents.
- Submit the Form:
- Submit the application form to the designated receiving authority.
- Review Process:
- The Selection Committee scrutinizes the application, and the Secretary provides final approval.
- Notification and Disbursement:
- An order for payment is circulated to District Collectors, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Revenue Officers, and Panchayats.
- Grant payments are disbursed through the office of the Block Development Officer or via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Documents Required
- Photographs: 3 recent passport-sized photographs.
- Identification Certificate: Attested photocopy of Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification (e.g., Income or Caste Certificate).
- BPL Certificate: Attested photocopy of the Below Poverty Line Certificate.
- Proof of Age: Birth Certificate, Electoral Photo Identity Card, or any valid document recording the date of birth.
- Aadhaar Card: Attested copy.
- Bank Account Details: Attested photocopy of the first page of the Bank/Post Office Passbook along with the latest account update.
- Medical Certificate: Certified by the HoD/Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics, or Surgery of the STNM Hospital or District Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What benefit is provided to a transgender if they remain unemployed after possessing the required qualification?
A1: Unemployed beneficiaries receive a monthly assistance of ₹500.
Q2: Who can avail of the benefits of this scheme?
A2: The scheme is available to transgender individuals from BPL families in Sikkim who are not receiving any other government salary/pension.
Q3: How is the beneficiary selected under this scheme?
A3: Applications are scrutinized by a Selection Committee, and approvals are endorsed by the Secretary before payment orders are issued.
Q4: Who certifies the Medical Certificate?
A4: The Medical Certificate must be certified by the Head of Department (HoD) of Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics, or Surgery at STNM/District Hospital.
Q5: Is this scheme applicable only for the BPL category?
A5: Yes, only transgender individuals from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families are eligible.
Q6: When will the payment of the grant cease?
A6: Payment stops upon the death of the beneficiary or permanent migration outside Sikkim.
Q7: What is the mode of application?
A7: Applicants can apply either offline by visiting the local government office or online, as directed by the designated authority.
Q8: How is the grant payment disbursed?
A8: The payment is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s bank account.