SMILE Scheme

SMILE Scheme Latest News

Recent data shows that for 2021-2026, ₹390 crore was allotted by the government for the SMILE scheme.

About SMILE Scheme

• The Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise scheme (SMILE) scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched on 12th February 2022.
• It includes two sub-schemes
  • Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’
  • ‘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.

‹ ›

Features of the SMILE Scheme

• Scholarships: It provides Scholarships for Transgender Students studying in IX and till  post-graduation to enable them to complete their education.
• Skill Development and Livelihood: It has provisions for Skill Development and Livelihood under the PM-DAKSH scheme.
• Composite Medical Health: Through Composite Medical Health it provides a comprehensive package in convergence with PM-JAY supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals.
• Garima Greh: It provides shelter homes providing safe, dignified accommodation to transgender persons who face homelessness as a result of family rejection or social stigma.
• Transgender Protection Cells: The Provision of Transgender Protection Cell in each state will monitor cases of offences and to ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences.
• National Portal & Helpline: 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.

Source: PIB