Cessation of SMILE scheme sparks crisis as Garima Grahas face closure displacing their inhabitants.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The government’s decision to terminate funding for shelter homes catering to transgenders under the SMILE scheme has plunged 12 Garima Grahas (houses of honour) into turmoil, with residents facing an uncertain future.
Transgender beneficiaries of these sanctuaries now find themselves at a crossroads as they confront the impending closure of the very shelters that provided them solace and support. The sudden withdrawal of funding has exacerbated their vulnerabilities, leaving them grappling with displacement and instability.
Bela Sharma, formerly trained at Delhi’s Grima Graha and now managing a shelter home, reflected on the devastating impact of the funding halt. “Our shelter home, established in 2021, marked a significant milestone for Delhi’s transgender community. Yet, despite our efforts to provide refuge and empowerment, the cessation of government support has put us in trouble,” she said. Bela Sharma underscored the vital role of Garima Grahas in offering a haven for transgender individuals fighting homelessness and unemployment.
According to Sharma, these shelters offer essential amenities such as three meals a day and skill-building courses, empowering residents to lead dignified lives. However, with the abrupt cessation of funding, these vital resources are now at risk of vanishing, leaving transgenders vulnerable and marginalised.
Expressing dismay over the government’s neglect, Sharma said: “We embarked on this journey with high hopes, envisioning a future where transgender individuals could thrive. However, the absence of funding for the past 15 months, coupled with the closure of the SMILE scheme, has left Garima Grahas abandoned and vulnerable.”
The closure of these shelters not only disrupts the lives of current residents but also places a significant strain on NGO staff members, many of whom have gone months without salaries. With no alternative funding sources in sight, staff members are left to shoulder the financial burden, further compounding the crisis.
Rafaya Uzma, a transgender resident of a shelter home, shared her anguish, stating: “The cessation of funds has plunged our shelter into uncertainty, leaving staff members unpaid and residents in limbo.” Uzma’s testimony underscores the urgent need for government intervention to ensure the continuity of vital support services for transgender individuals.
Dev, another shelter resident, echoed Uzma’s sentiments, urging the government to step in and provide much-needed assistance to NGOs serving the transgender community. “We implore the government to recognise the invaluable role of these organisations and extend a helping hand to ensure their survival,” he asserted, highlighting the critical lifeline these shelters provide for transgender individuals facing societal discrimination and hardship.
As the transgender community grapples with the fallout of funding cuts, advocates and activists called for immediate government action to address the crisis and uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender identity. The plight of Garima Grahas serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for inclusive policies and support mechanisms to safeguard the well-being of transgender individuals across the country.
