SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) Scheme

About SMILE Scheme:

• It is a multi-faceted initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• It has a total allocation of ₹365 crore covering 2021-22 to 2025-26. This scheme will be implemented across the country.
• It includes two central sector sub-schemes that focus on the comprehensive rehabilitation of transgender persons and individuals engaged in begging.
• Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons:
  • It provides support through scholarships for students from Class IX to post-graduation, skill development opportunities through the PM-DAKSH scheme, and financial assistance for gender-reaffirmation surgeries under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
  • Additionally, ‘Garima Greh’ (shelter homes) offer transgender persons accommodation, medical care, and skill development, creating safe spaces for their growth and empowerment.
  • The establishment of Transgender Protection Cells in each state ensures that offences against transgender persons are properly registered, investigated, and prosecuted, providing them with necessary legal protection.
• Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in Begging:
  • It addresses the needs of this marginalized group through a structured approach encompassing four key areas: Survey and Identification, Mobilization, Shelter Homes and Rehabilitation.
  • Surveys are conducted to identify beneficiaries and create a national database, which is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • Mobilization involves outreach and awareness campaigns to encourage individuals engaged in begging to utilise the services offered by the government.
  • Shelter homes provide basic services such as food, clothing, medical facilities and education for children, alongside counselling and psychological support.
  • Rehabilitation is achieved through skill development and vocational training, helping these individuals transition into wage or self-employment, thus paving the way for their social reintegration and economic independence.

SMILE-75 Initiative:

• The SMILE-75 initiative was launched to extend the benefits of the SMILE scheme to 75 municipal corporations and municipalities across the country.
• This initiative, which commenced in FY 2023-24, has a budget allocation of ₹100 crore spread over five years.
• The cities targeted include metropolitan areas, pilgrimage sites, cultural and tourist destinations, aspirational districts, and cities in the Northeast, ensuring a wide geographical spread.