SMILE Scheme guidelines are available to download in PDF format on the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at socialjustice.gov.in. SMILE full form is Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. This umbrella scheme covers several comprehensive measures for welfare of both transgender persons and persons engaged in the act of begging.
Central government launched SMILE Scheme on 12 February 2022 through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme is still running and the ministry has released revised scheme guidelines (2nd revision) effective from 10 June 2025, which are valid till 31 March 2028. For the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, the government has allotted a total of ₹390 crore for the scheme, with ₹265 crore for transgender welfare and ₹125 crore for beggary rehabilitation.
Smile Scheme 2026
SMILE Scheme 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
SMILE Scheme focuses on rehabilitation, medical facilities, counseling, education, skill development and economic linkages with the support of State Governments, Union Territories, Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and other institutions.
Latest Update on SMILE Scheme
As per the latest official data, the SMILE beggary sub-scheme is currently operational in 181 selected cities across the country. As on March 2026, around 31,155 individuals have been identified as engaged in the act of begging and 9,935 persons have been rehabilitated in different cities of India. Under the transgender welfare sub-scheme, 21 Garima Greh shelter homes are currently operational across 17 states, with 3 more sanctioned in August 2025.
Benefits Under SMILE Scheme
SMILE Scheme offers a range of benefits to eligible transgender persons and people engaged in begging:
- Scholarships for transgender students from Class IX up to post-graduation, including technical and vocational courses
- Skill development and livelihood support through PM-DAKSH scheme, with vocational training and a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for eligible trainees
- Composite medical health coverage in convergence with Ayushman Bharat, including gender-affirming care and hormone therapy
- Garima Greh shelter homes that provide safe accommodation, food, medical care and skill-building support
- Rehabilitation support for persons engaged in begging, including shelter, counseling, skill training and bank linkages
Ayushman Bharat TG Plus Coverage
Transgender persons covered under SMILE Scheme can also get health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year under Ayushman Bharat TG Plus. This covers gender-affirming care, hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery at empanelled hospitals. The health package is provided in convergence with PM-JAY or Ayushman Bharat.
Official Website and Application Process
The National Portal for Transgender Persons at transgender.dosje.gov.in serves as the single digital gateway for issuing Transgender Certificates and Identity Cards, which are required to access SMILE Scheme benefits. Details of rehabilitation centres and shelter homes for the beggary sub-scheme are collected and monitored through the SMILE-Beggary National Portal at smile-b.dosje.gov.in.
STEP 1 - Visit the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at socialjustice.gov.in and open the SMILE Scheme page under the schemes section.
STEP 2 - Download the revised scheme guidelines PDF from the documents section of the scheme page.
STEP 3 - For transgender persons, register on the National Portal for Transgender Persons at transgender.dosje.gov.in to get the Transgender Certificate and Identity Card.
STEP 4 - Apply for the relevant benefit such as scholarship, skill training or health coverage through the respective portal or the implementing agency in the state.
Important Documents
Eligible people need to keep the following documents ready while applying for SMILE Scheme benefits:
- Transgender Certificate and Identity Card from the National Portal
- Aadhaar card and address proof
- Bank account details for direct benefit transfer
- Educational certificates for scholarship applications
- Income certificate, if required
FAQ's
What is the full form of SMILE Scheme?
SMILE stands for Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It is an umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Is SMILE Scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, SMILE Scheme is still running. The revised scheme guidelines effective from 10 June 2025 are valid till 31 March 2028.
What is the budget of SMILE Scheme?
The government has allotted a total of ₹390 crore for the scheme for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, with ₹265 crore for transgender welfare and ₹125 crore for beggary rehabilitation.
Where can I download the SMILE Scheme guidelines PDF?
The SMILE Scheme guidelines PDF is available on the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at socialjustice.gov.in.
How many cities are covered under the SMILE beggary sub-scheme?
The SMILE beggary sub-scheme is currently operational in 181 selected cities across the country.