SMILE Scheme for Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme on February 12, 2022.  The Ministry has allocated Rs. 365 Crore for the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Target beneficiaries

The umbrella scheme is set to provide welfare and rehabilitation to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.

Benefits of the scheme

• The two sub-schemes of SMILE - ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’ and ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of engaged in the act of Begging’ – provide comprehensive welfare and rehabilitation measures to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.
• It provides Scholarships for Transgender Students studying in IX and till  post-graduation to enable them to complete their education.
• It has provisions for Skill Development and Livelihood under PM-DAKSH scheme.
• Through Composite Medical Health it provides a comprehensive package in convergence with PM-JAY supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals.
• The Housing facility in the form of ‘Garima Greh’ ensures food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, recreational activities and medical support etc. to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.
• The Provision of Transgender Protection Cell in each state will monitor cases of offences and to ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences.
• The National Portal & Helpline will provide necessary information and solutions to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging when needed.
• The sub-scheme - ‘Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’ – will focus on Survey and identification, Mobilisation, Rescue/ Shelter Home and Comprehensive resettlement.

Source : Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment