Garima Greh Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons is a central welfare scheme run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under the SMILE umbrella scheme. It provides safe, secure housing and basic support services for destitute and abandoned transgender individuals so that they can lead a dignified life.
As of 2026, 21 Garima Greh shelters are running across 17 states, and the government has sanctioned 3 more homes. The central government has allotted ₹390 crore for the SMILE scheme for the 2021-2026 period, which covers transgender welfare and rehabilitation of people engaged in begging.
Garima Greh Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons - Introduction
Garima Greh serves as a supportive haven for destitute and abandoned transgender individuals. This scheme provides not just a roof, but a complete living experience that includes nourishing food, required medical care, and meaningful recreational facilities. Residents also get counselling and skill training so that they can stand on their own feet.
Along with shelter, transgender persons who hold a certificate from the National Portal for Transgender Persons can also get ₹5 lakh per year health cover under Ayushman Bharat TG Plus under the SMILE scheme. This covers hormone therapy, sex reassignment surgery and general treatment at empanelled hospitals.
The broader objectives of this scheme include:
- Providing shelter with basic amenities such as food, clothing, recreation, medical facilities, and counseling.
- Safeguarding the fundamental rights of transgender persons.
- Establishing a harmonious environment in every Garima Greh by following uniform rules and regulations.
- Helping individuals through skill development and up-gradation programs to lead a decent, dignified life while protecting them from social stigma and discrimination.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Garima Greh Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons |
| Level | Central |
| Launched By | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Under | SMILE Scheme (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) |
| Beneficiaries | Destitute and abandoned transgender persons |
| Benefit Type | In Kind (shelter, food, medical care, counselling, skill training) |
| Shelters Running | 21 Garima Grehs across 17 states (as of 2026) |
| Application Mode | Offline at the nearest Garima Greh shelter |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
Benefits
Residents of a Garima Greh receive secure shelter, healthy food, regular medical checkups, and access to recreational activities. This helps them stabilise their lives and slowly move towards self-reliance.
Every shelter also offers counselling support and skill development programmes, which are linked to income generation activities. The stay is completely free for eligible residents, and no rent or food charges are taken from them.
Eligibility
To become a resident of a Garima Greh, a transgender person must meet the following conditions:
- Should hold a transgender certificate issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons. Individuals should ideally be living below the poverty line. If the certificate is not available, officials will guide them to register on the National Portal.
- Should be between 18 and 60 years of age and currently facing abandonment or homelessness.
- Should not be engaged in sex work or begging.
- Should be unemployed and not engaged in any productive commercial activities.
Note that the rules for issuing the transgender identity certificate were revised when the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 came into force on 25 May 2026. Applicants who need a fresh certificate should follow the latest process mentioned on the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
The application process for Garima Greh is fully offline. There is no online registration for admission, and interested people have to contact the shelter directly.
STEP 1 - Find the nearest Garima Greh shelter. The list of running shelters and their locations is available on the official Garima Greh page of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
STEP 2 - Visit the shelter in person and ask for the admission form. The form is known as Annexure 2 as per the scheme guidelines.
STEP 3 - Fill in the admission form and submit the required personal affidavit at the center. The shelter authorities check the documents, confirm eligibility, and give admission based on available vacancy.
Documents Required
The following documents are generally asked while applying for admission to a Garima Greh:
- Transgender certificate and identity card issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons. This certificate is the main document for getting benefits under the SMILE scheme.
- Aadhaar card or any other valid identity proof.
- Age proof, since the age limit is 18 to 60 years.
- Income certificate or a self-declaration stating unemployment.
- Passport size photographs.
The transgender certificate can be obtained from the District Magistrate office or the local Block office. If a person has undergone gender-affirming surgery, they must also provide the medical certificate issued by hospital authorities. For the complete process, see the Transgender ID Card Application Form details.
References
View Official SMILE Scheme Guidelines
Official Garima Greh Shelter Homes Page
PIB Release - From Margins to Mainstream (April 2026)
FAQ's
Do I get any money or financial support under this scheme?
No, this scheme provides in-kind benefits like shelter, food, medical care and counselling rather than direct cash transfers. Residents do not have to pay anything for the stay.
Do I have to pay for staying in a Garima Greh?
No, the stay at a Garima Greh is completely free for eligible residents. Food, basic amenities and medical facilities are provided without any charge.
Can I apply online for Garima Greh?
No, there is no online application process for admission. You must visit the nearest Garima Greh shelter in person and submit the admission form offline.
How many Garima Greh shelters are running in India?
As per the latest official data, 21 Garima Greh shelters are operational across 17 states, and 3 more have been sanctioned. The ministry is working to set up at least one such shelter in every state.