Shakti Sadan Scheme guidelines are available to download in PDF format at wcd.gov.in. The Ministry of Women and Child Development runs this scheme as an Integrated Relief and Rehabilitation Home for women in difficult circumstances. Earlier, the Swadhar Greh Scheme for women in distress and the Ujjawala Scheme for prevention of trafficking were separate. Both have been merged into one scheme called Shakti Sadan from 1 April 2022.
The Shakti Sadan Scheme is a demand driven centrally sponsored scheme. Funds are released to the States and Union Territories for running the homes. As per the latest information, 419 Shakti Sadans are functional across the country and about 19,960 women were rehabilitated during the financial year 2025-26 (from 1 April 2025 to 31 December 2025).
Shakti Sadan Scheme
Under the umbrella of Mission Shakti, the erstwhile Swadhar Greh and Ujjawala homes have been merged and are now known as Shakti Sadan. The aim is to create a safe and enabling environment for women in difficult situations, so that they can overcome their adverse circumstances. The residents of Shakti Sadan are provided with shelter, food, clothing, counselling, primary health facilities and other daily requirements.
Women affected by domestic violence, who need care and protection for a short term, are first served by One Stop Centres. If required, they can stay there up to five days. For long term stay, such women and the victims of trafficking or destitute women are referred to Shakti Sadan, where they can stay up to a maximum period of 3 years. Extension beyond 3 years can be granted on need basis by the concerned District Magistrate. Older women above 55 years of age can be accommodated for a maximum period of 5 years, after which they have to be shifted to old age homes or other similar institutions.
Main Objectives of Shakti Sadan Scheme
The scheme works with a clear set of aims to support women in distress and help them start life afresh with dignity. The main objectives are given below.
- To provide shelter, food, clothing, medical treatment and care to women in distress who have no social and economic support.
- To help them regain their emotional strength, which gets affected due to their difficult circumstances.
- To provide legal aid and guidance so that they can take steps for their readjustment in family and society.
- To rehabilitate them economically and emotionally, and help them start life afresh with dignity and conviction.
Facilities provided to residents
Residents of Shakti Sadan get a range of basic and support facilities during their stay. The main facilities are listed below.
- Food, clothing and other items of personal use are provided as per the scheme rules.
- Legal service is arranged through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to claim property, marital rights, divorce, maintenance and custody of children.
- Medical facilities include first aid within the centre and regular health check-up through the district hospital or health and wellness centre.
- Psycho-social counselling is provided through a common pool of counsellors under the overall charge of One Stop Centres.
- Vocational training and skill development classes are arranged through recognised training institutes.
- Residents are helped to open bank accounts in their names, in which an amount of ₹500 per month per resident is deposited.
Highlights of Shakti Sadan Scheme
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Shakti Sadan Scheme (merged Swadhar Greh and Ujjawala) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| Beneficiaries | Women in difficult circumstances and trafficked women |
| Facilities | Shelter, food, clothing, medical care, legal aid, counselling, vocational training |
| Stay Period | Up to 3 years (up to 5 years for women above 55 years) |
| Official Website | wcd.gov.in and missionshakti.wcd.gov.in |
How the scheme works
The Shakti Sadan Scheme is a demand driven Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The States and Union Territories assess their requirement as per local needs and send proposals. These proposals are approved every year by the Programme Approval Board (PAB) after discussion with the States and Union Territories. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided for running Shakti Sadan in rented premises. The Ministry monitors the progress through physical and virtual meetings with States and Union Territories, field visits and a dedicated Mission Shakti dashboard.
Official guidelines and PDF
The detailed guidelines of the Shakti Sadan Scheme are available in PDF format on the official website of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The guidelines cover the facilities, manpower structure, funding norms and the services to be provided to the residents. The official Shakti Sadan guidelines can be downloaded from the Ministry website at wcd.gov.in. More details about the scheme are also available on the Shakti Sadan page of the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development.
FAQ's
What is the Shakti Sadan Scheme?
Shakti Sadan is an Integrated Relief and Rehabilitation Home for women in distressful situations. It was formed by merging the earlier Swadhar Greh scheme and the Ujjawala scheme from 1 April 2022.
Who can stay in a Shakti Sadan?
Women in difficult circumstances, including victims of domestic violence, trafficking and destitute women, can stay in a Shakti Sadan. Unmarried girls of any age and boys up to 12 years can stay with their mothers.
How long can a woman stay in a Shakti Sadan?
A woman can stay up to a maximum period of 3 years. Extension beyond 3 years can be granted on need basis by the District Magistrate. Women above 55 years can stay up to 5 years.
Where can the Shakti Sadan guidelines be downloaded?
The Shakti Sadan Scheme guidelines are available in PDF format on the official website of the Ministry of Women and Child Development at wcd.gov.in.