SMILE Scheme

Context:
Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar launched the Central Sector Scheme “SMILE: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise today at BHIM Auditorium, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, 15, Janpath Road, New Delhi.
This umbrella scheme, designed by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, is set to provide welfare and rehabilitation to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.

About:
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 persons 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.
The scheme keeps in mind the social security that is needed through multiple dimensions of identity, medical care, education, occupational opportunities, and shelter. The Ministry has allocated Rs. 365 Crore for the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

1)Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons
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. Composite Medical Health 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 Cellini 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.
2)Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging
will focus on Survey and identification, Mobilization, Rescue/ Shelter Home, and Comprehensive resettlement.

Besides, pilot projects have been initiated on Comprehensive Rehabilitation in ten cities namely Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad.