The Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) is an umbrella Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) on February 12, 2022. The scheme aims to provide social security and dignity to the most vulnerable sections of society—specifically transgender individuals and those engaged in the act of begging—through comprehensive rehabilitation, skill development, and financial empowerment.
Core Sub-Schemes
The SMILE umbrella scheme is divided into two distinct sub-schemes to cater to the specific needs of the target populations:
- Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons: Focuses on welfare measures, identity protection, and social integration of the transgender community.
- Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging: Aimed at achieving the vision of a Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat (Begging-free India) through systematic rehabilitation and livelihood creation.
Key Components and Features
Transgender Welfare
- Garima Greh: Dedicated shelter homes providing safe, dignified accommodation, food, and clothing to transgender persons who face homelessness due to family rejection or social stigma.
- Skill Development: Imparted through the PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) Yojana to ensure employability and self-reliance.
- Scholarships: Financial support for transgender students from Class IX to post-graduation.
- Composite Medical Health: A comprehensive package in convergence with Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), covering gender-reaffirmation surgeries at selected hospitals.
- Transgender Protection Cells: Established in each State to monitor cases of violence, ensure timely registration of FIRs, and oversee investigation and prosecution of offences.
Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in Begging
- Area-Specific Interventions: Pilot projects initiated in major cities (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, etc.) involving intensive surveys, mobilization, and identification.
- Rescue and Shelter: Provision of immediate relief, basic services (food/clothing), and access to shelter homes.
- National Portal: A centralized digital platform (smile-be.dosje.gov.in) is used to track, register, and monitor the progress of rehabilitation centres and individual beneficiaries.
- Livelihood Alternatives: Organizing beneficiaries into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and providing vocational training to transition them into stable, productive employment.
Strategic Objectives
- Social Inclusion: Restoring dignity and reducing the social stigma associated with transgender individuals and the act of begging.
- Economic Empowerment: Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through entrepreneurship, skill training, and market linkages.
- Infrastructure Support: Utilizing existing government infrastructure and creating new dedicated shelters where necessary.
- Policy Convergence: Leveraging existing government frameworks like PM-JAY and PM-DAKSH to provide a multi-dimensional support system.
Scheme Statistics and Facts (As of January 2026)
| Metric | Status / Data Point |
| Launch Date | February 12, 2022 |
| Total Budget Outlay (2021–26) | ₹365 Crore |
| Operational Beggary Sub-scheme | 181 selected cities |
| Identified Beggars | 30,257 individuals |
| Rehabilitated Individuals | 8,129 individuals |
| Active Garima Grehs | 23 across 17 States/UTs |
Implementation Framework
- Executing Agencies: The scheme is implemented in partnership with State/UT Governments, Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), and specialized NGOs.
- Identification: The process involves systematic survey and identification, mobilization of the target groups, and counseling to ensure their willingness to participate in the rehabilitation process.
- Monitoring: The MoSJE maintains rigorous oversight through the dedicated national portal and geotagging of facilities like Garima Grehs to ensure transparency and accountability.