Central government has launched SMILE Scheme on 12 February 2022 for the welfare of transgender community and people engaged in the act of begging. SMILE stands for “Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood & Enterprise”. The umbrella scheme namely Smile is designed by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. In this article, we will tell you about the complete details of SMILE Yojana.
What is Central Sector SMILE Scheme 2024
SMILE Scheme comprises of 2 sub-schemes which are as follows:-
- Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons
- Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Engaged in the Act of Begging
Both these subschemes aims to provide comprehensive welfare and rehabilitation measures to transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.
Launch of SMILE Scheme
While launching the Smile Scheme, Union Minister said “As a progressive and developing society, it is our duty to respect the identity and dignity of all sections of society. The Ministry has ensured that each and every need of transgender community and persons engaged in the act of begging are taken care of in most professional way. The provision of national portal and helpline will provide necessary information and solutions to the problems of the transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.”
Budget of Smile Yojana 2024
Ministry has allocated Rs. 365 crore for the SMILE Scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26 for the social security that is needed through multiple dimensions of identity, medical care, education, occupational opportunities and shelter.
Smile Scheme for Welfare of Transgender Persons & Beggars
The sub-scheme – “Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons” – includes various components such as scholarships for transgender students studying in class 9th and till post-graduation. It also has provisions for Skill Development and Livelihood under the PM-DAKSH scheme.
Through Composite Medical Health, it provides a comprehensive package in convergence with PM-JAY supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals. Similarly, the Housing facility in the form of ‘Garima Grih’ ensures food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, recreational activities, and medical support 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 and Helpline will provide necessary information and solutions to the transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging when needed.
Meanwhile the sub-scheme – ‘Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’ – will focus on survey and identification, mobilisation, rescue/ shelter home and comprehensive resettlement. Besides, pilot projects have been initiated on comprehensive rehabilitation in 10 cities namely Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna and Ahmedabad, the official statement added.
Source / Reference Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centre-to-roll-out-transgender-scheme-tomorrow/articleshow/89490336.cms