Centre Launches SMILE scheme for Transgender community & Beggers

The government has launched a scheme called ‘SMILE: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise’ for the welfare of members of the transgender community and beggers.

The scheme aims to strengthen and expand the reach of the rights that give the targeted group the necessary legal protection and a promise to a secured life.
It keeps in mind the social security that is needed through multiple dimensions of identity, medical care, education, occupational opportunities and shelter.
It keeps in mind the social security that is needed through multiple dimensions of identity, medical care, education, occupational opportunities and shelter.

The ministry has allocated Rs. 365 Crore for the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

This umbrella scheme, under the aegis of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, includes two sub-schemes.
These are ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’ and ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of 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 keeps in mind the social security that is needed through multiple dimensions of identity, medical care, education, occupational opportunities and shelter.

Scholarships for Transgender Students: Scholarships for students studying in IX and till post-graduation to enable them to complete their education.
Skill Development and Livelihood: Skill Development and Livelihood under PM-DAKSH scheme of the Department
Composite Medical Health: A comprehensive package in convergence with PM-JAY supporting Gender-Reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals
Housing in the form of ‘GarimaGreh’: Shelter Homes ‘Garima Greh’ where food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, recreational activities, medical support etc. will be provided
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.
E-Services (National Portal & Helpline and Advertisement) and other Welfare Measures

Survey and identification: Survey and Identification of beneficiaries shall be carried out by the Implementing Agencies.
Mobilisation: Outreach work will be done to mobilise the persons engaged in begging to avail the services available in the Shelter Homes.
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.
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 in ten cities namely Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna and Ahmedabad.

As per the 2011 census figures on beggar population, as informed by the government to Parliament in 2018, there are 4,13,670 beggarsin India, of which 2,21,673 were males and 1,91,997 females.
West Bengal had the highest number of beggars at 81,224.
Least beggars are in the northeast (minus Assam), Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh.

India has no federal law on begging and destitution. About 20 states have adopted the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, which carries a penalty of detention of three to 10 years in beggar homes.
The Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959is an Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to beggars for the purpose of making uniform and better provision for the prevention of begging in the State of Bombay and for matters connected therewith.

There is often incidents of forced begging seen across the country.
Forced begging means to enforce a person to beg for money through threats, deceit, or other forms of coercion.
In india children are often maimed, injured and handicapped to arouse a sense of pity.
They are victims of severe physical, emotional and mental trauma as they are bullied with physical violence, drug abuse and psychological coercion.
To protect the future of these children steps should be taken.

3 years ago