The Ministry of Women and Child Development implements the Swadhar Greh Scheme to provide institutional support and rehabilitation for women in difficult circumstances. The scheme is designed to help women who have faced abuse, domestic violence, abandonment, or other forms of exploitation, enabling them to lead a dignified life. It offers shelter, food, clothing, healthcare, and economic and social security. The scheme also extends services to children accompanying these women, with specific age criteria for boys and girls.
Beneficiaries
Women above 18 years of age who fall under one of the following categories are eligible:
- Women who are deserted and lack social and economic support.
- Survivors of natural disasters rendered homeless and without support.
- Women prisoners released from jail without family, social, or economic support.
- Victims of domestic violence, family discord, or marital disputes, who are compelled to leave their homes without means of subsistence.
- Trafficked women/girls rescued or those who have escaped exploitative situations.
- Women affected by HIV/AIDS without social or economic support (in areas where UJJAWALA Scheme is operational, these women should first seek assistance under that scheme).
Objectives
The primary objectives of Swadhar Greh are to:
- Provide temporary residential accommodation with basic facilities like shelter, food, clothing, and medical care.
- Help women regain emotional strength and self-confidence.
- Offer legal aid and guidance for family or social reintegration.
- Facilitate economic rehabilitation through vocational training and skill upgradation.
- Serve as a supportive network addressing the multifaceted needs of women in distress.
- Enable beneficiaries to restart their lives with dignity.
Services Offered
Apart from shelter, the scheme provides the following services:
- Legal Service: Legal aid and guidance for resolving disputes and protection from exploitation.
- Vocational Training: Skill upgradation and vocational training to support economic rehabilitation.
- Medical Facilities: Access to healthcare services, including routine medical care.
- Counseling: Psychological counseling and support to help women cope with trauma.
- Counseling via Telephone: Helpline support for immediate counseling and crisis intervention.
Duration of Stay
- Women affected by domestic violence: Up to 1 year.
- Other eligible categories: Up to 3 years.
- Older women (above 55 years): Up to 5 years, after which they must shift to old age homes or similar facilities.
For accompanying children:
- Girls: Up to 18 years.
- Boys: Up to 8 years (boys older than 8 years must be accommodated in designated Children Homes under the JJ Act/ICPS).
Eligibility
To be eligible for Swadhar Greh, the applicant must:
- Be a woman aged 18 years or above.
- Belong to any of the target groups mentioned above (e.g., deserted, survivors of disasters, victims of domestic violence, trafficked, etc.).
- For women affected by domestic violence, the period of stay is limited to 1 year; for other categories, the maximum stay is 3 years (or 5 years for women above 55 years).
- Children accompanying the applicant must meet the age criteria specified.
Application Process
Offline Process
Women in need of assistance can access Swadhar Greh through various channels:
- Self-Referral: The applicant may visit the nearest Swadhar Greh facility directly.
- Assistance Through Others: A public-spirited citizen, relative, friend, public servant (as defined under Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860), NGO, or volunteer may help in accessing the facility.
- Women Helpline: Integrated with police, ambulance, and other emergency response services, the helpline can direct women to the nearest Swadhar Greh facility.
Applicants can visit the directory website to find the appropriate helpline number based on their location.
Documents Required
The specific documents required are notified by the helpcentre at the time of application. Generally, applicants may be asked to provide:
- Proof of identity and age.
- Relevant certificates and documents supporting their eligibility (e.g., police reports, medical certificates, or legal documents).
Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of legal assistance is provided?
Legal aid and guidance to help resolve disputes, protect rights, and assist with legal challenges faced by the beneficiaries. -
What is meant by vocational training as a service?
Training programs aimed at enhancing skills and providing new opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. -
What kind of medical facilities are provided as a service?
Basic healthcare services including medical check-ups, treatment, and emergency care. -
What is the meaning of counseling facility?
Psychological and emotional support services provided to help women cope with trauma and rebuild their lives. -
Is there any application process?
Yes, the process is primarily accessed offline through helpcentres and via referrals from various sources. -
I don’t know, where are the Swadhar Grehs located?
Facilities are set up in every district; refer to the official scheme guidelines or helpline directory for details.