The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) will establish a 50-bed shelter home specifically for transgender individuals at the Birsa Munda Bus Terminal in the Khadgarha area, officials announced on Saturday.
Focus on Inclusivity and Safety
RMC is prioritizing the creation of dedicated facilities for women and transgender people, emphasizing privacy, safety, and improved sanitation, while expanding capacity in high-need areas. “This will be done to further expand coverage and inclusivity,” said RMC administrator Sushant Gaurav.
As part of its urban poverty alleviation and welfare initiatives, RMC operates shelter homes under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), an official explained.
New Shelter Homes Planned
According to the plan, two new shelter homes will be built: one for women at Khadgarha bus stand and another for men at Booty More. Both will also have 50 beds each. “The idea behind such facilities is to provide safe, secure, and dignified temporary accommodation to urban homeless, migrant labourers, destitute, elderly, and other vulnerable groups. Additionally, it will help protect them from extreme weather,” said another official.
Plans are also underway to upgrade some existing shelter homes. Funds amounting to Rs 1.25 crore each will be allocated for constructing the new shelter homes and upgrading existing ones.
Upgrading Existing Facilities
Assistant municipal commissioner Nikesh Kumar stated that RMC is undertaking infrastructure improvements at existing shelter homes in Dhurwa and ITI bus stands. Both are being upgraded from 16 and 14 beds respectively to 50 beds each. “The target is to finish all the works within six months,” he said, adding that two caretakers will be deployed at each home.
“For security, CCTV cameras will be installed, and inverters will be provided,” said Manikant Sinha, city mission manager of RMC. “All the existing homes are equipped with beds, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, electricity, and adequate ventilation,” he added.
