SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise), launched on 12 February 2022, is an umbrella Central Sector Scheme with ₹365 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26. It has two sub-schemes: welfare of transgender persons and rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging.
In one line: identity, health cover, education, shelter and skills for transgender persons, and a path out of begging.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 12 February 2022 |
| Outlay | ₹365 crore (2021-22 to 2025-26) |
| Type | Central Sector Scheme |
For transgender persons
- National Portal for a transgender certificate and ID card, issued within 30 days.
- Ayushman Bharat TG Plus: ₹5 lakh a year health cover, including transition-related care.
- Scholarships for 4,500 students a year from Class 9 to post-graduation.
- Garima Greh shelters: 23 across 17 States and UTs (February 2026).
- Skilling under PM-DAKSH.
Rehabilitation of people engaged in begging
Aims for a begging-free India through surveys, counselling, shelter homes and links to education, health and livelihoods, in 181 cities.
Possible exam questions
- What barriers do transgender persons face in accessing education and jobs?
- How should rehabilitation, rather than criminalisation, address begging?
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