SMILE Scheme, Features, Eligibility and Benefits

The SMILE Scheme (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) by the Government of India aims to rehabilitate beggars and empower transgender communities.

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Context: The Government of India launched a 15-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme under the SMILE scheme to promote economic empowerment and self-reliance of transgender persons.

About SMILE Scheme

Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) is a Central Sector Scheme.
It has two sub-schemes:
1. Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons.
2. Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in Begging.
It is an umbrella scheme covering welfare and rehabilitation measures for both transgender persons and those engaged in begging.

Features of SMILE Scheme

Education Support: Scholarships for transgender students from Class IX to Post-Graduation.
Skill Development & Livelihood: Training provided under the PM-DAKSH scheme.
Health Support: Composite medical health package through PM-JAY, including gender-reaffirmation surgeries in selected hospitals.
Housing Facility: Establishment of ‘Garima Greh’ providing shelter, food, clothing, recreation, medical aid, and skill development.
Protection Mechanism: Creation of Transgender Protection Cell in each state to monitor offences, ensure registration, investigation, and prosecution.
Digital Support: A National Portal & Helpline to provide information and solutions to transgender persons and persons engaged in begging.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.