SMILE Scheme

Why in News?

• On 21 August 2025, the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched a 15-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme at Garima Greh, Dabri (Delhi) for transgender persons under the SMILE scheme.
• Implemented by: National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD).
• Operated by: Mitr Trust.
• Beneficiaries (pilot programme): 25 transgender persons.
• Plan: 18 such programmes nationwide → train 1,800 transgender persons.

SMILE Scheme — Key Points

• Full form: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE).
• Nature: Umbrella scheme (two sub-schemes).

Sub-schemes:

1. Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons.
2. Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging.

Components for Transgender Persons:

• Economic empowerment through self-employment & entrepreneurship.
• Skill training, education, shelter (Garima Greh homes).
• Support for medical care, counselling & rehabilitation.

Importance

• Social Justice: Promotes inclusion of marginalized groups (transgender persons, beggars).
• Economic Empowerment: Moves beyond welfare to livelihood generation.
• Pilot → Nationwide: If successful, can be scaled up for larger empowerment programmes.