Page 31 - HUDCO Award for Best Practices - 2024

THEME: HOUSING, URBAN POVERTY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

SAMTA NYAY KENDRA (A Centre for the

mainstreaming of Transgender and High-Risk

Communities)

Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP),

Manimajra, Chandigarh UT

BACKGROUND

The initiative seeks to address the legal needs and grievances faced by transgender persons, who often encounter discrimination,
marginalization and struggle personal to live a decent life with livelihood.

The Samta Nyay Kendra initiative, implemented by the Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners
(APSWDP), is a pioneering effort aimed at providing free legal aid services, extended social, and counselling support, and network
exclusively to the transgender community in Chandigarh. It was established in collaboration and mentorship support from the
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), State Legal Service Authority (SLSA) Chandigarh, and the Chandigarh State AIDS Control
Society, Chandigarh.
At its core, the vision of the Samta Nyay Kendra is to ensure equitable access to justice and rights for transgender persons. Its role
extends beyond legal aid, the Kendra also provides comprehensive support services, including counselling, psychosocial support, and
assistance with accessing social security schemes. By empowering transgender individuals to assert their rights and access redressal
for their grievances, the initiative aims to foster inclusivity within society and raise awareness about transgender rights.

The participatory agencies, including the DLSA and the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society, collaborate closely with APSWDP
to provide financial, logistical, and operational support for the Kendra’s activities. Together, these stakeholders work towards creating
an enabling environment where transgender individuals can seek legal assistance and support without fear of discrimination or bias.

Currently, the Samta Nyay Kendra is fully operational at its designated location in Chandigarh, offering a range of services tailored
to the needs of the transgender community. These services include counselling, referral and linkages to essential services, formation
of self-help groups, enrolment in social security schemes, and provision of free legal aid through DLSA panel lawyers. Through its
efforts, the initiative aims to create a more equitable and inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can
access justice and exercise their rights freely.

In summary, the Samta Nyay Kendra initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the legal needs of the transgender
community in North India. Through its holistic approach and collaborative efforts, it serves as a beacon of hope for marginalized
individuals seeking justice and empowerment.

The Samta Nyay Kendra initiative, spearheaded by the Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners
(APSWDP), was established in Chandigarh to address the legal needs of the transgender community. In collaboration with the
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society, this initiative seeks to provide free legal
aid services exclusively to transgender individuals who often face discrimination and marginalization in society.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIORITIES

The primary focus of the Samta Nyay Kendra initiative is to prioritize the legal rights and grievances of the transgender community.
Key priorities include providing counselling, psycho-social support, referral and linkages to essential services, formation of self-
help groups, enrolment in social security schemes, and provision of free legal aid through DLSA panel lawyers. These priorities are
established to empower transgender individuals to assert their rights and access redressal for their grievances in an inclusive and
supportive environment. At present, APSWDP is catering to more than 300 transgenders in the city in various aspects.

14 15