The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment is launching the Central Sector scheme “SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise” on tomorrow at BHIM Auditorium, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, 15, Janpath Road, New Delhi. The scheme will be launched by the Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment in the presence of Hon’ble Ministers of States (SJ&E).
This umbrella scheme is designed to provide welfare measures to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging. Under this includes two sub-schemes – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’ and ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’. The scheme strengthens and expands 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. The Ministry has allocated Rs. 365 Crore for the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
