The 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.
It is an umbrella scheme set to provide welfare and rehabilitation to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.
The objective of the SMILE scheme is to provide comprehensive support and rehabilitation to marginalized individuals, with a focus on creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and breaking the cycle of poverty.
The SMILE scheme includes two sub-schemes:
Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons: This sub-scheme is aimed at providing comprehensive measures, including welfare measures such as medical facilities, counseling, education, skill development, and economic linkages for the transgender community. The scheme also encompasses provisions for scholarships, skill development, and livelihood opportunities for transgender individuals.
Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Persons Engaged in Begging: This sub-scheme is designed to address the welfare and rehabilitation needs of individuals engaged in begging. It includes measures such as identification, rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, and access to basic amenities like food, clothing, healthcare, and shelter.
Provisions of the scheme:
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 the 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, 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 offenses and ensure timely registration, investigation, and prosecution of offenses.
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.
Lately, the central government has identified 30 cities of religious, historical, and tourism significance across India for the survey and rehabilitation of adults and children engaged in begging. The goal is to make these spaces free of beggary by 2026.
This outreach in 30 cities is being implemented under the “Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises” (SMILE) scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
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