Govt. launches ‘SMILE scheme’ for Transgender community and the Beggars
Recently the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched “SMILE/SMILE Scheme”: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.
SMILE scheme is a central sector scheme. This scheme has been launched for the welfare and rehabilitation of transgender community and beggars.
This scheme will be applicable from the year 2021-22 to the year 2025-28.
The following are the two sub-schemes of the SMILE scheme:
Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons
The sub-scheme has the following components:
- In this, scholarship will be provided to transgender students studying in class IX till post-graduation.
- Provisions have been made for skill development and livelihood under the Pradhan Mantri-Daksh Yojana.
- This is a scheme for skill development of the deprived section.
- A provision of ‘dignity home’ has been made in this. Here accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment facilities, skill development opportunities etc. will be provided for the transgender community and beggars.
- Transgender protection cells will be set up in each state to monitor cases of crimes. The holistic medical health package has been introduced in conjunction with the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Through this, assistance will be given in gender-reformation surgery in selected hospitals.
- Provision of e-services (National Portal and Helpline and Advertisement) has also been made.
‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of engaged in the act of Begging’
The emphasis in this sub-plan will be on survey and identification, mobilization, rescue/shelter homes and comprehensive rehabilitation.
The following are the other provisions of the SMILE scheme:
- Skill development/vocational training will be provided to transgender community and beggars. With this, they will be able to continue their livelihood by engaging in self-employment, and can lead a dignified life.
- Pilot projects on comprehensive rehabilitation have been taken up in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad etc.
Source – The Hindu