Revised framework prioritises rehabilitation; increased focus on women’s welfare and skill training
PANAJI
The State government has amended the Shelter Home for Women (SHW) Scheme, 2006 to temporarily give shelter and rehabilitate victims facing social ostracism, exploitation and domestic violence.
While the revised framework prioritises rehabilitation and stronger oversight, it has also mandated that at least two members of the District Level Monitoring Committee be women to reinforce accountability in shelter homes.
“The objective is to provide temporary shelter and support to women who have no family or social support systems to rely on; and to rehabilitate the women socially and economically by the provision of skill training, counselling,” reads the notification by the Department of Women & Child Development.
The scheme, it explained, extends assistance to those women who have no social support systems due to family problems, mental strains, social ostracism, exploitation and other causes while creating a space to socially and economically equip themselves to face the challenges.
The services extended in these homes include medical care, psychiatric treatment, casework services, occupational therapy, education cum vocational training recreational facilities, etc.
The scheme’s implementation will be carried out by registered Non-Governmental Organizations, public trusts, local bodies and government agencies. The WCD Secretary will sanction grants based on proposals submitted by the WCD Director.
“The beneficiaries include women who are forced into prostitution, victims of sexual assault, those facing domestic violence, or struggling with emotional disturbances and social rejection. So also, children accompanying their mothers or born in the institution can reside in the shelter home up to the age of seven, after which they will be transferred to children's institutions or foster care facilities,” an official said.
The amendment also cited that each implementing agency must submit a Quarterly Progress Report detailing rehabilitated women, the current list of inmates and other relevant information.
“The Home and its record shall be open for inspection by the Government. Sanctioning of recurring grants subsequent year/instalment depends upon the proper utilisation of grants sanctioned earlier. The organisation will not receive a grant from any other source for the same purpose and activity. However, there would be no objection if funds for the additional beneficiaries or supportive services are obtained from some other source,” states some of the conditions imposed by the department.
