New Delhi: The Centre is stepping up efforts to rehabilitate and economically empower marginalised individuals through the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme, with a focus on moving beyond temporary assistance towards sustainable livelihoods, skills and social reintegration.
Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, SMILE is an umbrella Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing comprehensive rehabilitation and socio-economic empowerment to marginalised individuals.
A key component of the scheme is the Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging, which brings together rehabilitation, healthcare, counselling, education, skill development and livelihood opportunities through a convergence-based approach.
🔹Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) as an Umbrella Central Sector Scheme aimed at comprehensive rehabilitation and socio-economic empowerment of marginalised individuals
🔹The… pic.twitter.com/cyrP5l4ShF
— PIB India (@PIB_India) August 17, 2026
According to the latest information available on the official SMILE-BEGGARY portal, 42,589 persons have been identified or surveyed, while 12,710 have been rehabilitated under the initiative.
Launched on 12 February 2022, the sub-scheme seeks to work towards a “BhikshaVrittiMukt Bharat” through coordinated identification, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. Rather than limiting intervention to immediate relief, the programme aims to equip beneficiaries with the capabilities and opportunities required to transition towards sustainable livelihoods and a life of dignity.
The implementation involves State and UT Governments, District Administrations, Urban Local Bodies, Municipal Corporations and other organisations and agencies working in the field. The convergence model is intended to ensure that beneficiaries can access multiple welfare and support mechanisms through coordinated action.
Focus on healthcare, education and livelihoods
Under the rehabilitation framework, beneficiaries can receive medical facilities, counselling, education and skill development support. These interventions are designed to strengthen their ability to access employment and livelihood opportunities and facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society.
The broader SMILE framework also covers the Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons component. Under this initiative, the Government has established 23 Garima Grehs across 17 States and Union Territories to provide shelter and support to destitute transgender persons.
Over the last three years, 1,041 transgender persons have been rehabilitated through Garima Grehs, according to the information provided.
The Government has also introduced measures aimed at improving access to healthcare, identity documentation, skill development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for transgender persons.
Digital access and economic empowerment
The National Portal for Transgender Persons has been established to facilitate the issuance of transgender certificates and identity cards. The official information records 33,303 identity cards issued through the portal.
The Government has also entered into an MoU with the National Health Authority to facilitate convergence with Ayushman Bharat. As per the available information, 147 AB PM-JAY transgender cards have been issued.
Skill development and entrepreneurship are another major focus. As many as 725 transgender persons have received skill development training, while 150 have been trained through an Entrepreneurship Development Programme. Three National Transgender Employment Melas have also been organised, benefiting 223 transgender persons.
To strengthen institutional support, Transgender Protection Cells have been established in 27 States and UTs, while 30 Transgender Welfare Boards have been set up by States and UTs to safeguard rights and facilitate access to welfare measures.
Scheme revised after Independent evaluation
The Government has also undertaken an independent assessment of SMILE. A third-party evaluation was conducted by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad, during September-October 2025.
The evaluation’s major findings and recommendations have been considered and incorporated into the revised Scheme Guidelines for continuation of SMILE during the 16th Finance Commission cycle from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
With its emphasis on rehabilitation, healthcare, education, skills and livelihoods, the SMILE scheme seeks to build a wider support system for some of India’s most marginalised communities.
