Launch of SMILE- Central Scheme to provide welfare measures to Trans-genders, people engaged in act of begging

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar has said the Government is committed towards bringing in self-confidence and sense of security in the transgender community and those engaged in the act of begging.

Speaking after inaugurating the ambitious SMILE- Support for Marginalized Individual for Livelihood and Enterprise-Scheme of the centre for this community in New Delhi today, he said, this scheme with skill training and modern education will definitely enable transgender community to move forward with the mainstream and this will signify the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas. He said, his Ministry has allocated over 100 crore Rupees budget for this scheme for next five years.

AIR Correspondent reports that this of umbrella scheme of the government which is designed to provide welfare measures to the Transgender community and the people 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.

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-

1. Scholarships for Transgender Students: Scholarships for students studying in IX and till post-graduation to enable them to complete their education.

2. Skill Development and Livelihood: Skill Development and Livelihood under PM-DAKSH scheme of the Department.

3. Composite Medical Health: A comprehensive package in convergence with PM-JAY supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals

4. Housing in the form of ‘Garima Greh’: Shelter Homes ‘Garima Greh’ where food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, recreational activities, medical support etc. will be provided

5. Provision of Transgender Protection Cell: Setting up of Transgender Protection in each state to monitor cases of offences and to ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of offences.

6. 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’ is as follows-

1. Survey and identification: Survey and Identification of beneficiaries shall be carried out by the Implementing Agencies.

2. Mobilization: Outreach work will be done to mobilize the persons engaged in begging to avail the services available in the Shelter Homes.

3. Rescue/Shelter Home: The shelter homes will facilitate education for children engaged in the act of Begging and children of persons engaged in the act of Begging.

4. Comprehensive resettlement.
Additionally,


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.
Pilot projects initiated on Comprehensive Rehabilitation intercities namely Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna and Ahmedabad.
It is to be noted that the sub schemes will be implemented by a party consisting of National Coordinators along with a suitable team which will be created in the Ministry. The qualifications of the National Coordinator, emoluments, powers and functions and line of command will be as prescribed by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment. Besides, the components will be monitored at regular intervals by the Ministry including Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) or any other agency/unit appointed by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.


Read more: Click Here