National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) Annual Action Plan 2025–26: Focus on Transgender Empowerment, Beggary Prevention, and Social Defence

The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, has unveiled its Annual Action Plan for the Financial Year 2025–26. This year’s consolidated plan focuses on three major social segments — Transgender Welfare, Beggary Prevention, and Social Defence Initiatives.

With a total outlay of nearly ₹15.92 crore, the NISD aims to expand awareness, build capacities, promote digital learning, organize workshops, conduct research, and implement outreach programs that strengthen inclusion and rehabilitation frameworks for vulnerable communities.

Date and Implementation Period

The Annual Action Plan for FY 2025–26 will be implemented across India from 23 April 2025 to 24 March 2026. During this period, NISD and its collaborating partners — including government departments, academic institutions, NGOs, and community-based organizations — will conduct over 1,035 programs benefiting more than 45,000 participants nationwide.

Overall Objective of the Plan

The key mission of the 2025–26 plan is to ensure social inclusion and equity through structured interventions. The objectives include:

1. Promoting awareness and sensitization about transgender rights and welfare laws.
2. Reducing beggary by providing training, rehabilitation, and livelihood opportunities.
3. Strengthening social defence mechanisms through professional education, research, and national-level coordination.
4. Building capacities among officials, NGOs, educators, and other stakeholders for efficient service delivery.
5. Encouraging research and evidence-based policymaking to support sustainable social development.

Budget Overview

Programs Related to Transgender Welfare

1. Awareness and Sensitization Initiatives

A total of 593 awareness programs will reach nearly 28,990 participants. These sessions aim to promote acceptance, legal literacy, and equal rights for transgender persons.

Key awareness activities include:

• Training for Police, Judiciary, and Law Students – To build understanding of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
• NGO/CBO and Community Awareness Sessions – Conducted with Garima Greh and local social work institutions.
• Media Sensitization Programs – To train journalists and media students on gender-sensitive reporting.
• Healthcare Sensitization – For doctors, nurses, and counsellors to ensure inclusive medical services.
• Educational Outreach – Workshops for teachers, researchers, and students to include gender diversity topics in curricula.
• PRI Functionary Training – Panchayati Raj members will be trained to address grassroots transgender issues.
• Online Awareness Sessions for District Officials – Web-based training through the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
• Sarthie 2.0 Awareness Camps – Focused on promoting understanding of the TG Act and Rules among communities.

Budget Allocation: ₹280.99 lakh

2. Capacity Building and Training of Trainers (ToT)

Under this category, 95 programs will train 3,000 participants, focusing on government functionaries, social workers, and activists.

Highlights:

• ToT on TG Act 2019 & Rules 2020 for officials, police, and NGOs.
• Three-day training programs for institutional staff and welfare officers.
• Five-day counselling skill programs for professionals supporting transgender individuals.

Budget Allocation: ₹240.00 lakh

3. Digital Capacity Development

The NISD emphasizes digital empowerment through online courses, podcasts, and skill development programs.

• 20 Skill Development Trainings for transgender persons (two-month courses).
• TAPAS Online Course on basics of transgender issues.
• Community Radio & Podcasts to amplify transgender voices and promote awareness.

Budget Allocation: ₹156.00 lakh

4. Conferences, Seminars, and Consultations

A National Seminar on Transgender Issues will be organized to bring together experts, social workers, and policymakers to deliberate on inclusive practices.

Budget Allocation: ₹20.00 lakh

5. Outreach and Supportive Programs

To connect directly with the community, 82 outreach programs are planned for 4,010 participants. Activities include:

• Health Camps for the transgender community.
• Trans Employment Melas for job placements and skill linkages.
• ID/Certificate Card Camps to assist in official documentation.
• Trans-Talent Hunts to promote self-expression and visibility.
• Weekly Counselling Centers for emotional and psychological support.
• TA/DA for NCTP Members for national-level field visits and consultations.

Budget Allocation: ₹245.00 lakh

6. Research and Module Development

Four research studies on transgender and social defence issues will be undertaken by UGC-approved universities and research institutions. Additionally, new training modules will be developed to standardize learning materials.

Budget Allocation: ₹25.00 lakh (₹20.00 lakh for research + ₹5.00 lakh for module development)

Programs Related to Beggary Prevention

The Beggary Prevention Division has designed 108 programs to reach 3,850 participants, supported by a budget of ₹360 lakh. The goal is to rehabilitate persons engaged in begging through capacity building, awareness, and skill training.

1. Capacity Building and Training

Programs focus on social welfare officials, child protection units, and NGOs.

• Two-day training on services for children engaged in begging.
• Convergence programs to coordinate multiple welfare schemes.
• Counselling training for rehabilitation staff.
• Sensitization programs for SMILE project officials.

Budget Allocation: ₹265 lakh

2. Skill Development and Livelihood

Skill Development programs for persons engaged in begging will provide alternative employment opportunities, in collaboration with Sector Skill Councils and recognized NGOs.

Budget Allocation: ₹60 lakh

3. Conferences and Research

• National Seminar on Beggary Prevention for 100 stakeholders to share best practices.
• Research studies on rehabilitation and policy improvement.
• Training Module Development to support future programs.

Budget Allocation: ₹35 lakh (₹20 lakh for seminar, ₹10 lakh for research, ₹5 lakh for modules)

Programs Related to Social Defence

Under the Social Defence Division, 115 programs are scheduled for 4,500 participants with a total allocation of ₹266 lakh. The initiatives aim to strengthen the country’s social defence framework and sensitize key institutions.

1. Comprehensive Training Programs

Three-day residential training programs will be held for:

• Police Functionaries (30 programs)
• Panchayati Raj Functionaries (40 programs)
• Social Work Educators (40 programs)

These will focus on handling vulnerable populations, understanding social justice laws, and improving service mechanisms.

Budget Allocation: ₹220 lakh

2. TAPAS Online Learning

Two batches of the “Basics of Social Defence” online course will be launched on TAPAS (Training for All in the Social Sector), enabling flexible and remote learning.

Budget Allocation: ₹1 lakh

3. National Seminar on Social Defence

A National-Level Seminar will be conducted for 100 participants, focusing on new trends in social defence, inclusion policies, and inter-agency collaboration.

Budget Allocation: ₹20 lakh

4. Publications and Research

• Publication of IEC materials such as brochures, handbooks, and journals on social defence, transgender welfare, and beggary prevention.
• Two research studies will be commissioned to examine social defence issues.

Budget Allocation: ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh each)

5. Training Module Review and Development

To maintain relevance and accuracy in training materials, the NISD will periodically review and upgrade existing modules.

Budget Allocation: ₹5 lakh

Eligibility and Target Groups

The programs are designed for a wide range of stakeholders including:

• Police, judiciary, and administrative officials.
• Panchayati Raj and State Government functionaries.
• NGOs, CBOs, and Social Work Institutions.
• Journalists and media professionals.
• Teachers, researchers, and students.
• Transgender individuals and persons engaged in begging.
• Healthcare and counselling professionals.

Each group will receive tailored training and sensitization according to their role and expertise.

Selection and Implementation Process

1. Identification of Implementing Agencies – NISD will partner with State Governments, universities, and NGOs with proven track records in social development.
2. Program Proposal Review – Each training or awareness activity will be approved based on feasibility, location, and participant reach.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation – Regular field visits, feedback sessions, and data collection will ensure transparency and accountability.
4. Flexibility in Execution – Budgets and program numbers may be re-appropriated across categories for effective delivery.
5. Online Integration – Several courses will be accessible through the TAPAS e-learning portal and the National Transgender Portal.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of FY 2025–26, NISD aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Enhanced awareness and legal literacy on transgender rights across India.
• Improved rehabilitation and livelihood opportunities for individuals engaged in begging.
• Strengthened capacity of social defence professionals, enabling better implementation of welfare programs.
• Integration of digital education and podcasts into mainstream training.
• Development of research-driven policies that support inclusion and social justice.