Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment launches “SMILE” scheme

What is the News?

The Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment has launched the SMILE Scheme.

What is a SMILE Scheme?

SMILE stands for Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.

Type: It is a Central Sector Scheme.

Aim: To provide welfare and rehabilitation to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.

Sub-Schemes of SMILE Scheme

The two sub-schemes of SMILE are: 

Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons

It provides for: 

-Scholarships for Transgender Students studying in IX and till post-graduation to enable them to complete their education. 

-Skill Development and Livelihood under the PM-DAKSH scheme.

-Composite Medical Health and Housing facility in the form of ‘Garima Greh’

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

-Creating a National Portal & Helpline 

Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging

It provides for 

-Survey and Identification of beneficiaries shall be carried out by the Implementing Agencies.

-Outreach work will be done to mobilise the persons engaged in begging to avail the services available in the Shelter Homes.

-The shelter homes will facilitate education for children engaged in the act of Begging 

Sources: This post is based on the article “Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment launches “SMILE” scheme” published in PIB on 14th Feb 2022.