Swadhar Greh Scheme: For Women in Difficult Circumstances

Introduced in 2002 by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Swadhar program aims to assist women facing difficult circumstances. Its primary focus is on providing support, both material and emotional, to underprivileged women and girls who require shelter, sustenance, clothing, and care. The program extends its aid to various groups, including women convicts discharged from prison without familial assistance, women who have survived natural disasters, women who have suffered from terrorist or extremist violence, as well as widows left without the support of their families and relatives.

Overview of Swadhar Greh Scheme

Name	Swadhar Greh Scheme
Scheme of	Central Government
Launched Year	2002
Ministry	Ministry of Women and Child Development
Aim	to assist women facing difficult circumstances
Official Website	https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/swadhar-greh-scheme

What is the Swadhar Greh Scheme? 

A constructive initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development is the implementation of the Swadhar Greh Scheme. This scheme is designed to cater to women who have faced hardships and are in need of institutional assistance for their recovery, enabling them to lead a life of respect and pride.

The core idea behind this scheme is to establish a nurturing institutional framework for women who have endured difficult circumstances. Its main objective is to offer them a secure shelter, nutritious meals, proper clothing, and access to healthcare facilities. Furthermore, it aims to ensure their financial stability and social well-being. The scheme also emphasises the importance of meeting their individual needs, thereby preventing any chances of them being left alone or abandoned, as such situations may expose them to exploitation and hopelessness.

Objectives of the Swadhar Greh Scheme

• To cater to the basic needs of distressed women who lack social and financial support, including shelter, food, clothing, medical care, and emotional support.
• To empower these women economically and provide them with emotional strength to rebuild their lives.
• To offer legal assistance and guidance for their reintegration into family and society.
• To assist in their economic and social rehabilitation.

Salient Features of the Swadhar Greh Scheme

• Government and civil society organisations are eligible to request assistance under the Swadhar Greh Scheme.
• The scheme provides temporary residential accommodation, along with food, clothing, and medical facilities.
• Women enrolled in the scheme will receive vocational training opportunities.
• Counselling and behavioural training are available to beneficiaries.
• Free legal aid is provided to the women.
• Telephonic counselling services are available.
• The scheme is compliant with the Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT) system.
• Both recurring and non-recurring assistance needs are addressed.

Beneficiaries of the Swadhar Greh Scheme

• Women who have been abandoned,
• Women who have survived natural disasters,
• Female prisoners who have been released,
• Women who are victims of domestic violence, family tension, or discord,
• Women and girls who have been rescued from or fled from brothels,
• Women who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.

Please note: The minimum age requirement for the above criteria is 18. These women should not have any social or economic support. Homeless women are also eligible. However, these women should first seek assistance under the UJJAWALA Yojana.

Implementation of the Swadhar Greh Scheme

The following organisations can establish Swadhar Greh under this Scheme:

• State Government organisations, including Women Development Corporations established by State Governments,
• Focal or independent bodies at the State level,
• Metropolitan Bodies,
• Cantonment Boards,
• Panchayati Raj Institutions and Cooperative organisations,
• Divisions of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare of the State Governments,
• Public Trusts registered under any applicable law,
• Women in distress can directly contact any of the Swadhar Greh for assistance.
• They should first seek help under the UJJAWALA Scheme.
• Swadhar Greh will provide care and support to these distressed women, helping them with rehabilitation.
• Women who are victims of abusive partners or households can stay for up to one year.
• The duration of their stay can be extended up to three years, depending on the classification and circumstances of the women.
• Women above the age of 55 may be allowed a stay of five years, after which they should move to old age homes or other institutions.
• Young girls up to the age of 18 and young boys up to the age of 8 can stay in Swadhar Greh along with their mothers.

Reviewing Establishments and Establishments and Eligibility Criteria

• State government agencies, such as Women Development Corporations, are examples.
• These agencies are established by state legislatures.
• National or state level autonomous bodies.
• Municipal Governments.
• Boards of Cantonment.
• Institutions of the Panchayati Raj and cooperatives.
• State governments’ Departments of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare may either construct Swadhar Greh themselves or rent them to organisations with sufficient expertise to manage the scheme.

Guidelines/Instructions for Admission Policy for Admission Policy, Services and Records Management Under the Swadhar Greh Scheme

When women come to Swadhar Greheither alone or through recommendations, their social history, the source of their anguish, and their adjustment difficulties are first assessed.

A personalised interview is conducted by a counsellor, and a case file is created for her (until MWCD establishes and distributes a standardised procedure). This aims to assist her in overcoming initial trauma and determine if the services provided by Swadhar Greh are suitable for her needs.

Upon arrival, she should be documented in the admissions register, including her name, address, age, information regarding any children she may have, a description of the problem, and a reference.

Each case should have its dedicated file, including the complete case record, details of relatives’ addresses, referral letters, and other documents related to court cases, police reports, etc.

Records of any assistance offered, such as meetings with different authorities related to the case, medical examinations, etc., should be maintained. These case files should be regularly updated and accessible for review by any government agency at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question-What is the purpose of implementing the Swadhar GREH scheme?

The Swadhar GREH scheme aims to provide essential support and assistance to distressed women who are lacking social and economic aid. This includes provisions such as housing, food, clothing, medical care, and emotional care.

Question-Who is responsible for introducing the Swadhar GREH scheme?

The Swadhar GREH scheme was introduced by the Women’s and Children’s Development Department.

Question-What is the main objective of the Swadhar GREH scheme?

The main objective of the Swadhar GREH scheme is to establish Swadhar Grehs in each district, accommodating up to 30 women. These Grehs aim to fulfill the fundamental needs of women in distress by offering social and economic assistance, including housing, food, clothing, medical care, and emotional support.

Question-Who are the intended recipients of the Swadhar GREH scheme?

Under the Swadhar GREH scheme, girls below the age of 18 and boys below the age of 8 are authorized to stay with their mothers in the Swadhar Greh. However, boys aged 8 and above must be transferred to Children Homes governed by the JJ Act/ICPS.