Samta Nyay Kendra: A Model for Legal Empowerment and Social Inclusion of Transgender and High-Risk Communities in India

This paper presents a comprehensive social audit of Samta Nyay Kendra, an innovativeinitiative launched in 2021 in Chandigarh, India, by the Association of ProfessionalSocial Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP). Aimed at mainstreamingtransgender and high-risk communities, the initiative addresses systemic barriers inaccess to legal aid, identity documentation, social security, and livelihood support.The study evaluates the initiative through a mixed-methods approach, incorporatingboth quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights derived from beneficiarynarratives, stakeholder interviews, and feedback mechanisms.Key findings highlight the initiative’s effectiveness in providing free legal services,facilitating the issuance of essential identity documents, and linking beneficiaries withgovernment schemes such as DAY-NULM and PM SVANidhi. The creation of Self-HelpGroups (SHGs) and engagement of para-legal volunteers from within the communityhas fostered participatory governance, financial inclusion, and community leadership.Over 300 transgender individuals actively participated, with more than 250 enrolled inwelfare programs and over 200 receiving legal identity documents.Samta Nyay Kendra also stands out for its institutional partnerships with DLSA/SLSAand its national recognition through the HUDCO Award 2024. Its replication in TamilNadu further confirms its scalability and policy relevance. The initiative aligns stronglywith the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3, 5, 10, and 16.The study concludes that Samta Nyay Kendra offers a replicable and sustainable modelof inclusive development, bridging gaps in governance, justice, and social protectionfor marginalized populations.