Government to launch Central Sector Scheme “SMILE” in New Delhi tomorrow

New Delhi, February 11

The government will launch the Central Sector Scheme “SMILE- Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”  in New Delhi tomorrow.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in a statement said that the umbrella scheme is designed to provide welfare measures to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.

The Ministry has allocated 365 crore rupees for the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26. It 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 also keeps in mind the social security that is needed through multiple dimensions of identity, medical care, education, occupational opportunities and shelter.