What’s in the news?

• The government is set to launch the Central Sector Scheme “SMILE- Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”.
• 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 Sub-scheme – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’ includes the following components-
  • Scholarships for Transgender Students;
  • Skill development/vocational training will be provided to attain capacity, capability and desirability so that they can sustain and live a life of dignity by engaging in self-employment;
  • Composite Medical Health supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals; 
  • Housing in the form of ‘GarimaGreh’ where food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, recreational activities, medical support etc. will be provided;
  • Setting up of Transgender Protection Cell in each state to monitor cases of offences and to ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences;
  • E-Services (National Portal & Helpline and Advertisement) and other Welfare Measures.
• The focus of the sub-scheme ‘Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’ are as follows-
  • Survey and identification;
  • Outreach work to mobilise the persons engaged in begging to avail the services available in the Shelter Homes;
  • The Shelter Homes will facilitate education for children engaged in the act of Begging and children of persons engaged in the act of Begging.
  • Comprehensive resettlement.
• 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.

Reference:

1. https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Govt-to-launch-Central-Sector-Scheme-%e2%80%9cSMILE%26%2339%3b%26%2339%3b-in-New-Delhi-tomorrow&id=435348