SMILE Scheme Launched

Department of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the “SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise” scheme on February 12, 2022, in New Delhi.

About SMILE Scheme

SMILE is a Central Sector scheme. It is dubbed as Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It was launched by Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment. The scheme has been designed for providing welfare measures to Transgender community and people engaged in begging.

Sub-schemes under SMILE

The scheme comprises of two sub-schemes namely,

1. Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons.
2. Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging.

Objectives of the scheme

SMILE scheme seeks to strengthens and expands the reach of Rights that give necessary legal protection and secured life to targeted group. It keeps in mind the social security required through multiple dimensions of identity, education, medical care, shelter, and occupational opportunities.

Funds for the scheme

Ministry has allocated Rs. 365 Crore for the scheme for the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26.