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File No. CS-SWE-009 · Central Scheme · Ministry of Women & Child Development

Shakti Sadan Scheme

Free shelter, food, legal aid, medical care and rehabilitation for women in difficult circumstances and survivors of trafficking — combining what were formerly two separate schemes, Swadhar Greh and Ujjawala.

Note: if you're searching for "Ujjawala Scheme," this is its current name — Ujjawala (for trafficking survivors) and Swadhar Greh (for women in difficult circumstances) were merged into Shakti Sadan under Mission Shakti in 2022. The underlying support is the same or expanded; only the scheme name and structure changed.

What this scheme offers

Shakti Sadan homes provide integrated relief and rehabilitation for women in distress — including survivors of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation, women abandoned by their families, victims of domestic violence or family discord, and women released from prison with no support system. Services include temporary shelter, food and clothing, medical care and psychiatric support where needed, legal aid and case management, police and judicial assistance, vocational training and skill-building for economic independence, and — for trafficking survivors, particularly cross-border victims — support for safe repatriation. Homes are run by State Governments or registered Voluntary Organisations with relevant experience, and the WCD Ministry funds the bulk of the project cost.

Who is eligible

  • Survivors of trafficking, particularly for commercial sexual exploitation.
  • Women in difficult circumstances more broadly — victims of domestic violence, family desertion, natural disaster, or social ostracism.
  • Women released from correctional institutions with no family or social support.
  • No income or category restriction — the eligibility test is being a woman in genuine distress or crisis.

Documents required

  • Generally, none needed at the point of seeking shelter — admission is based on need, not paperwork
  • Identity documents, if available, help with case processing but are not a barrier to receiving initial shelter and support

How to access support

  1. Call the Women Helpline (181), available 24x7 across most states and UTs, for immediate guidance and referral to the nearest Shakti Sadan or One Stop Centre.
  2. Approach any police station, which can connect you to the nearest women's shelter or protection officer under the Domestic Violence Act.
  3. Contact your District Women & Child Development office directly for information on the nearest operational centre.
  4. For trafficking-related emergencies, the National Cyber Crime and anti-trafficking helplines can also connect victims to rescue and rehabilitation support.
  5. NGOs and Voluntary Organisations running Shakti Sadan homes in your area can also be approached directly for admission.

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