The PRABHAT Scheme, launched in 2013 by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Goa, provides technical/vocational training and rehabilitation support to sex workers and sexually abused women. The scheme aims to empower women by equipping them with livelihood skills, educational support, and psycho-social services, fostering their reintegration into society.
To ensure effective implementation, the department collaborates with reputed NGOs, Trusts, Societies, professionals, and expert bodies involved in the rehabilitation of sex workers.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- A stipend of ₹2,500 per month for three months or until the beneficiary joins a livelihood program, whichever is earlier.
- Note: This benefit is not available to victims housed in Protective Homes.
- Technical/Vocational Training:
- Based on the beneficiary’s literacy, skills, and interests, the Mentor/Probation Officer will help enroll them in government or non-government vocational programs.
- Training includes courses such as home appliance repair, mobile repair, beauty treatment, tailoring, bakery, and catering.
- Fees, travel, and miscellaneous expenses related to training are fully covered.
- Education Support:
- Beneficiaries interested in pursuing education up to 12th standard will receive full support for fees, boarding, travel, books, and toiletries.
- Shelter:
- Victims in need of shelter will be admitted to shelter homes or protective homes managed by government or NGO-run organizations.
- Psycho-Social Services:
- Victims of commercial sexual exploitation will receive counseling from a Probation Officer, Mentor, or professional counselor/psychiatrist.
- Expenses for counseling fees, travel, and medications will be covered.
- Health Services:
- Victims will have access to free health services at government hospitals.
- HIV and Tuberculosis patients will be connected to ART and DOTS schemes.
- Victims with AIDS requiring institutional care will be admitted to HIV/AIDS care centers for six months.
- Support for Children:
- Children of victims will receive counseling and assistance for school admission.
- All educational expenses (boarding, travel, fees, books, toiletries) up to 12th standard will be covered.
- Reintegration:
- The Probation Officer/Mentor will assist in reintegrating victims with their families and communities through counseling and community outreach.
- Protection:
- The Probation Officer/Mentor will coordinate with family members, community leaders, local police, and the Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Unit to ensure victim safety.
- Written complaints can be made to the Goa State Commission for Women to safeguard victims.
- Livelihood Support:
- Assistance in finding jobs or setting up small businesses based on the victim’s skills and interests.
- After completing vocational training, victims will receive support in preparing project reports, applying for loans, and may receive financial aid from the government to start businesses.
Eligibility
- Women and children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
- The applicant must be residing in Goa or be a native of Goa.
- Note: The location of exploitation (inside or outside Goa) is not a criterion for eligibility.
Application Process
Offline Application:
- Visit the Probation Officer: Go to the Probation Officer at the Department of Women & Child Development to collect the application form.
- Fill Out the Form: Complete the form, attach a passport-sized photo (if required), and submit self-attested copies of the required documents.
- Submit the Application:Submit the duly filled application to the Probation Officer.
- Get Acknowledgment: Collect an acknowledgment receipt confirming the submission of your application.
Check Application Status: Contact the Probation Officer to inquire about the status of your application.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.).
- Resident Certificate (proof of residence in Goa).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the role of the Monitoring Committee in this scheme?
The Monitoring Committee oversees the effective implementation of the scheme by evaluating the progress, resolving challenges, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive appropriate support.
Q2: Who are the members of the Monitoring Committee?
The committee includes representatives from NGOs, government officials, health professionals, law enforcement, and rehabilitated victims, bringing diverse expertise to support beneficiaries.
Q3: How often does the Monitoring Committee meet?
The committee meets regularly and convenes within a week of receiving new applications to ensure timely processing and support for applicants.
Q4: What is the “Sex Workers Rehabilitation Fund”?
The Rehabilitation Fund finances the scheme, covering training fees, healthcare, counseling, and livelihood support. It also accepts donations from individuals and organizations.
Q5: Do contributions to the Rehabilitation Fund offer tax benefits?
Yes, donors contributing to the Sex Workers Rehabilitation Fund are eligible for tax exemptions, encouraging greater participation from individuals and organizations.
Q6: How is the progress of the scheme monitored?
The Monitoring Committee submits quarterly reports to the Government of Goa, ensuring accountability and transparency in the implementation of the scheme.
Q7: Can the government modify the scheme provisions?
Yes, the Government of Goa retains the flexibility to amend or relax provisions of the scheme as needed to better support beneficiaries.