SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise 

SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise 

Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-II: Government schemes and policies

In News: SMILE is being launched for the Welfare of Transgender community and the Beggars

By: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment

• Designed to provide welfare measures to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging. 
• Under this 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
• The scheme strengthens and expands the reach of the Rights that give the targeted group the necessary legal protection and a promise to a secured life. 
• It 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.

Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons

• Scholarships for Transgender Students: Scholarships for students studying in IX and till post-graduation to enable them to complete their education.
• Skill Development and Livelihood: Skill Development and Livelihood under PM-DAKSH scheme of the Department
• Composite Medical Health: A comprehensive package in convergence with PM-JAY supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals
• Housing in the form of ‘GarimaGreh’: Shelter Homes ‘Garima Greh’ where food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, recreational activities, medical support etc. will be provided
• Provision of Transgender Protection Cell: Setting up of Transgender Protection in each state to monitor cases of offences and to ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences.
• E-Services (National Portal & Helpline and Advertisement) and other Welfare Measures

Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging

• Survey and identification: Survey and Identification of beneficiaries shall be carried out by the Implementing Agencies.
• Mobilisation: Outreach work will be done to mobilise the persons engaged in begging to avail the services available in the Shelter Homes.
• Rescue/ Shelter Home: The shelter homes will facilitate education for children engaged in the act of Begging and children of persons engaged in the act of Begging.
• Comprehensive resettlement.
• Skill development/vocational training will be provided to attain capacity, capability and desirability so that they can sustain and live a life of dignity by engaging in self-employment.
• Pilot projects initiated on Comprehensive Rehabilitation in ten cities namely Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna and Ahmedabad.

News Source: PIB