Union Minister Virendra Kumar launched the SMILE-75 initiative of the ministry of social justice & empowerment on August 12. 

As part of the initiative, the ministry has identified 75 municipal corporations to implement comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of begging under ‘SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise’.

What is the SMILE scheme?

• In Feburary this year, the government launched a Central Sector Scheme called ‘SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise’ for the welfare of members of the transgender community and beggars.

• The ministry has allocated Rs 365 crore for the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

• The scheme aims to strengthen and expand the reach of the rights that give the targeted group the necessary legal protection and a promise to a secured life.

• It keeps in mind the social security that is needed through multiple dimensions of identity, medical care, education, occupational opportunities and shelter.

• This umbrella scheme, under the aegis of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, includes two sub-schemes.

1) Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons

• It includes various components. It provides scholarships for transgender students from Class IX till post-graduation to enable them to complete their education.

• It has provisions for skill development and livelihood under PM-DAKSH 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 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.

2) Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging

• This sub-scheme will focus on survey and identification, mobilisation, rescue/shelter home and comprehensive resettlement.

• Also, pilot projects have been initiated on comprehensive rehabilitation in ten cities — Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna and Ahmedabad.

SMILE-75 initiative

Under the SMILE-75 initiative, 75 municipal corporations, in collaboration with NGOs and other stakeholders, will cover several comprehensive welfare measures for persons who are engaged in the act of begging with focus extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, awareness, education, skill development, economic linkages and convergence with other government welfare programmes, etc.

Through the SMILE project, the ministry envisions to develop a support mechanism for holistic rehabilitation of those engaged in the act of begging and build an India where no person is forced to beg in order to survive and fulfill their basic needs.

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