SMILE Scheme

SMILE Scheme Latest News

Recently, the central government of India launched a 15 days Entrepreneurship Development Programme under the SMILE scheme to make the transgender persons self-reliant by granting them economic empowerment.

About SMILE Scheme

• The Support for Marginalized Individual for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme is a Central Sector Scheme.
• It includes two sub-schemes
  • 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’.

• This umbrella scheme covers several comprehensive measures including welfare measures for both transgender persons and persons who are engaged in the act of begging.

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Features of the SMILE 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 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.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Source: PIB