SMILE Scheme

About SMILE Scheme:

• The Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise scheme (SMILE) scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched on 12th February 2022.
• It 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’.
• This umbrella scheme covers comprehensive measures including welfare measures for both transgender persons and persons who are engaged in the act of
• Features of the SMILE Scheme
  • Scholarships: It provides Scholarships for Transgender Students studying in IX and tillpost-graduation to enable them to complete their education.
  • Skill Development and Livelihood: It has provisions for Skill Development and Livelihood under the PM-DAKSH scheme.
  • Composite Medical Health: Through Composite Medical Health it provides a comprehensive package in convergence with PM-JAY supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals.
  • Garima Greh: It provides shelter homes provide safe, dignified accommodation to transgender persons who face homelessness as a result of family rejection or social stigma.
  • Transgender Protection Cells: These cells in each state will monitor cases of offences and to ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences.
  • National Portal & Helpline: It will provide necessary information and solutions to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging when needed.