The Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender, implemented by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, provides financial assistance, educational support and livelihood security to eligible transgender persons from economically weaker families. Beneficiaries can receive Rs. 12,000 per month for children aged 0 to 6 years, free education up to graduation level and a monthly unemployment allowance of Rs. 500 after completing the required qualification. Applications can be submitted online through the Sikkim SSO Portal or offline through local welfare offices.
Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender (SGATT) |
| Alternative Name | Sikkim Payment of Grant to the Transgender |
| Launch Year | 2013 |
| Implementing Department | Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department |
| Scheme Type | State Innovative Scheme |
| Target Beneficiaries | Transgender persons from BPL households |
| Monthly Assistance for Children | Rs. 12,000 per month for beneficiaries aged 0 to 6 years |
| Educational Benefit | Free education up to graduation level |
| Unemployment Assistance | Rs. 500 per month after acquiring the required qualification |
| Mandatory Eligibility Proof | Medical Certificate issued by STNM Hospital or District Hospital authorities |
| Ration Card Requirement | AAY or PHH Ration Card |
| Bank Account Requirement | Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Account |
| Payment Method | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Application Mode | Online through Sikkim SSO or offline through Gram Panchayat, Municipality and BAC |
| Annual Compliance | Submission of Life Certificate |
| Official Portal | pensionscheme.sikkim.gov.in |
Introduction of Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender: A Brief Insight
Transgender children born into economically weaker families often face challenges from a very young age. Along with health and social issues, many families struggle to afford education, daily care and future opportunities. To address these concerns, the Government of Sikkim introduced the Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender, a welfare scheme that supports transgender persons from childhood through adulthood.
The scheme was launched in 2013 and is listed as a State Innovative Scheme on the Sikkim Pension Scheme Portal managed by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department. The objective is to provide financial assistance, educational support and livelihood security to transgender persons belonging to poor households in the state.
Under the scheme, eligible transgender children between 0 and 6 years of age receive a monthly grant of Rs. 12,000. The scheme also provides free education up to graduation level, helping beneficiaries continue their studies without financial barriers.
After completing the required educational or technical qualification, beneficiaries who remain unemployed can receive an unemployment allowance of Rs. 500 per month. All financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Jan Dhan bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer system.
To qualify, the applicant must possess a medical certificate issued by the Heads of the Departments of Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery of STNM Hospital or a District Hospital. Applicants must also have valid Sikkim residence proof and belong to a family holding an AAY or PHH ration card.
The scheme is intended for transgender persons who do not have a regular source of income or financial support. Individuals already receiving a government salary, pension or family pension are not eligible to receive benefits under this scheme.
Applications can be submitted online through the Sikkim Pension Scheme Portal using the Sikkim SSO Portal. Those who prefer offline assistance can visit their nearest Gram Panchayat, Municipality or Block Administrative Centre, where the Social Welfare Inspector helps applicants complete the process.
Transgender adults may also benefit from the SMILE Scheme, which provides shelter, skill development and rehabilitation support. Beneficiaries undergoing tuberculosis treatment can explore the Nikshay Poshan Yojana for nutritional assistance.
Families can further reduce healthcare expenses through Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana, while senior citizens aged 70 years and above may receive health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme.
Transgender persons, parents, guardians and citizens looking for more welfare programmes offered by the state can explore our complete collection of Sikkim Government Welfare Schemes List for detailed eligibility, benefits and application guidance.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender has been designed to support beneficiaries at different stages of life. Whether it is early childhood, education or the period after completing studies, the scheme provides assistance that helps improve access to care, learning and financial security.
Stage 1: Early Childhood (0 to 6 Years)
- A monthly grant of Rs. 12,000 for eligible transgender children from birth up to 6 years of age
- The assistance helps families meet expenses related to nutrition, healthcare, education preparation and day to day care during the child’s formative years
Stage 2: School and College Years
- 100% free education from the primary level up to graduation
- The benefit helps ensure that financial difficulties do not become a barrier to continuing education
- It encourages beneficiaries to complete their studies and build a stronger foundation for future opportunities
Stage 3: After Completing Studies
- A monthly unemployment allowance of Rs. 500 for beneficiaries who possess the required educational or technical qualification but are still unemployed
- The allowance provides temporary financial support while the beneficiary searches for suitable employment or skill based opportunities
How the Support Is Delivered
- The scheme operates as a 100% State Innovative Scheme funded entirely by the Government of Sikkim
- All monetary benefits are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Beneficiaries are required to submit a Life Certificate every year to continue receiving benefits without interruption
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender is meant for transgender persons who belong to economically weaker families and do not have a regular source of income. To receive benefits under the scheme, applicants must first satisfy the basic eligibility conditions. Some benefits also have additional requirements based on age, education or employment status.
Basic Conditions for Every Applicant
- Must be a transgender person holding a Medical Certificate issued by the Heads of the Departments of Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery of STNM Hospital or a District Hospital
- Must possess a Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification (COI) or Residential Certificate
- Must belong to a BPL family holding a valid AAY or PHH Ration Card
- Must not have any regular source of income or dependable financial support
- Must not be receiving any salary, pension or family pension from the Central Government, State Government or any other agency
- Must have a valid Aadhaar Card and a Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana bank account
Extra Condition for Each Benefit
| Benefit | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| Monthly Grant | Transgender children aged 0 to 6 years |
| Free Education Support | Beneficiaries pursuing studies at any level up to graduation |
| Unemployment Allowance | Applicants who possess the required educational or technical qualification but are still unemployed |
When the Grant Stops
- Upon the death of the beneficiary
- If the beneficiary permanently shifts outside Sikkim
Documents Required to be Attached
The Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender requires a few important documents to verify the applicant’s identity, residence, economic status and eligibility under the scheme. The most important document is the prescribed medical certificate, without which the application cannot be processed. Since many beneficiaries are minors, parents or legal guardians often help in collecting and submitting these documents.
- Medical Certificate certified by the Heads of the Departments of Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery of STNM Hospital or a District Hospital
- Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification (COI) or Residential Certificate
- AAY or PHH Ration Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Passbook copy of a Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana account
- Birth Certificate or any other valid age proof
- Educational or Technical Qualification Certificate (required only for claiming the unemployment allowance)
- Recent passport size photograph
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Applying for the Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender is not difficult when your documents are ready. The most important document is the prescribed Medical Certificate, because the application cannot be processed without it. After obtaining the certificate, you can choose either the online or offline method, whichever is easier for you.
Online Application Process
Step 1: First, obtain the Medical Certificate signed by the Heads of the Departments of Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery from STNM Hospital or a District Hospital. Keep scanned copies of this certificate and all other required documents ready.
Step 2: Visit the official Sikkim Pension Scheme Portal using your mobile phone, tablet or computer.
Step 3: Click on the Apply Now option. You will automatically be redirected to the Sikkim SSO Portal.
Step 4: If you are using the portal for the first time, create a new SSO account. Existing users can simply sign in with their registered credentials.
Step 5: From the list of available welfare schemes, select Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender.
Step 6: Enter all required details carefully, including the applicant’s name, date of birth, address, Aadhaar details, ration card information and Jan Dhan bank account details. For minor applicants, a parent or guardian may complete the form on their behalf.
Step 7: Upload the Medical Certificate, residence proof, Aadhaar Card, ration card, bank passbook and recent photograph in the prescribed format.
Step 8: Review all information once again and submit the application. Save the application number safely, as it will help you track the status of your application later.
Step 9: Wait for verification by the concerned authorities. Updates regarding approval or rejection are generally communicated through the registered mobile number.
Offline Application Process
Step 1: Visit your nearest Gram Panchayat, Municipality, Municipal Corporation or Block Administrative Centre with all the required documents.
Step 2: Ask for the application form of the Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender. The form is provided free of cost.
Step 3: Fill in all details carefully. If you face any difficulty, seek assistance from the office staff present there.
Step 4: Attach photocopies of all supporting documents and make sure the Medical Certificate is included with the application.
Step 5: Submit the completed form to the concerned Social Welfare Inspector and collect an acknowledgement or receipt for future reference.
Step 6: The authorities will verify the documents and assess eligibility under the scheme.
Step 7: After approval, the eligible financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana bank account through DBT.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Apply Online for Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender through Sikkim Pension Portal
- Sikkim SSO Portal Login for Grant of Award to Transgender Application
- Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender Scheme Details on myScheme
- Women Child Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department Government of Sikkim
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Implementing Department: Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim
- Local Office: Social Welfare Inspector, Block Administrative Centre of your area
- Medical Certificate: STNM Hospital, Gangtok, or your District Hospital
- Rights and Protection Support: District Transgender Protection Cell of your district
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. The Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender is a State Innovative Scheme of the Government of Sikkim that provides financial assistance, educational support and unemployment allowance to eligible transgender persons from economically weaker families.
Ans. The scheme is implemented by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim.
Ans. The scheme was introduced in 2013 to promote the welfare, education and social security of transgender persons in the state.
Ans. Eligible transgender children aged 0 to 6 years receive a monthly grant of Rs. 12,000 as per the provisions available on the official pension portal.
Ans. Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can receive 100% free education up to graduation level, helping them continue their studies without financial burden.
Ans. Yes. Beneficiaries who possess the required educational or technical qualification but remain unemployed can receive an unemployment allowance of Rs. 500 per month.
Ans. A Medical Certificate certified by the Heads of the Departments of Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery of STNM Hospital or a District Hospital is the primary document required under the scheme.
Ans. No. The applicant must belong to a family holding a valid AAY or PHH Ration Card to be eligible for benefits.
Ans. Yes. For minor beneficiaries, a parent or legal guardian can complete the application process and submit the required documents on the child’s behalf.
Ans. Visit the Sikkim Pension Scheme Portal, select Apply Now, log in through the Sikkim SSO Portal and choose the Sikkim Grant of Award to Transgender scheme from the available options.
Ans. No. Applicants already receiving a salary, pension or family pension from the Central Government, State Government or any other source are not eligible under this scheme.
Ans. Benefits are discontinued upon the death of the beneficiary or if the beneficiary permanently relocates outside the State of Sikkim.
Ans. Yes. Beneficiaries must submit a valid Life Certificate every year within the prescribed deadline to continue receiving benefits without interruption.
Ans. Applicants can seek help from the Social Welfare Inspector at their Block Administrative Centre or contact the nearest Gram Panchayat, Municipality or concerned welfare office.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.