Government of India launches SMILE scheme

Tags: National News

Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar launched the  Government of India  scheme “SMILE: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise” on 12 Feburary 2022 in New Delhi .

The scheme aims to provide welfare and rehabilitation facility  to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging. 

The SMILE  scheme includes two sub schemes :

•  ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’ and 

• Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of engaged in the act of Begging’ 

 ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons

The main features of the scheme are  :

•   It provides Scholarships for Transgender students studying in IX and till  post-graduation to enable them to complete their education.

• It has provisions for Skill Development and Livelihood under the PM-DAKSH(Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) scheme. 

• Through Composite Medical Health it provides a comprehensive package in convergence with Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana ( PM-JAY) supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals. 

• The Housing facility in the form of ‘Garima Greh’ ensures food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, recreational activities and medical support etc. to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging. 

• The Provision of Transgender Protection Cell in each state will monitor cases of offences and to ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences. 

• 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.

‘Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’ 

It  will focus on survey and identification, mobilisation, rescue/ shelter home and comprehensive resettlement of the persons engaged in the act of begging .

The  Government of India has launched pilot projects on Comprehensive Rehabilitation in ten cities namely Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna and Ahmedabad.

Full form for exam 

SMILE : Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise;

PMJAY : Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana;

PM DAKSH : Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi;