On October 1, 2024, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) launched the SMILE scheme—Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise—a comprehensive initiative aimed at uplifting the transgender community in India. This groundbreaking scheme encompasses multiple components designed to provide educational, economic, health, and social support.
The Scheme includes following components
1. Scholarships for Transgender Students
One of the core components of the SMILE scheme is the provision of scholarships for transgender students. This initiative aims to offer financial assistance to transgender individuals pursuing education from Class IX onward. The objective is to ensure that these students have the necessary resources to complete their education, ultimately fostering a more inclusive society and empowering them through knowledge.
2. Skill Development and Livelihood Opportunities
The SMILE scheme recognizes the importance of skill development for economic empowerment. It focuses on providing market-oriented training to transgender individuals, enabling them to acquire skills that lead to meaningful employment. Training partners will carefully select the areas of skill development to ensure they align with market demands, thereby ensuring dignified employment opportunities for the transgender community.
3. Composite Medical Health Coverage
Another pivotal aspect of the SMILE scheme is the provision of comprehensive medical health coverage for transgender individuals. This includes health insurance to improve overall health conditions, facilitating access to essential medical treatments, including sex reassignment surgeries. This component aims to address the unique health needs of the transgender community, particularly those not covered by other governmental schemes.
4. Housing: ‘Garima Greh’
To address the urgent need for safe shelter, the scheme introduces ‘Garima Greh’, a housing initiative for transgender persons. These facilities will provide basic amenities such as shelter, food, medical care, and recreational options. Additionally, Garima Greh will focus on capacity-building and skill development, further empowering residents to lead independent lives.
5. E-Services and National Support
The SMILE scheme promotes the advancement of e-services through a dedicated national portal and helpline. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to resources and support for transgender individuals, ensuring they can easily access information and services tailored to their needs.
6. Establishment of Transgender Protection Cells
State-Level Protection Cell
The scheme establishes state-level protection cells to prevent crimes against transgender individuals. Operating directly from the office of the Director-General of Police, these cells will comprise a team of six professionals, including police officers and a psychological counselor. Their primary goal is to provide a safe environment for transgender persons.
District-Level Protection Cell
At the district level, a five-member team, including police personnel and social workers, will work under the District Magistrate to ensure protection and support for transgender individuals. This tiered approach aims to provide targeted assistance at both state and local levels.
7. Additional Welfare Measures
The SMILE scheme also outlines the formation of a welfare board for transgender persons. This board will focus on safeguarding the rights and interests of the community, facilitating access to various government schemes, and collaborating with NGOs for projects such as creating trans-safe toilets. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will allocate funds for these initiatives after thorough consideration of proposals.
Effective Date : October 1st 2024.
