Policy Update
Shivashish Narayan
In alignment with India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations the SMILE-75 initiative was launched aiming to extend the benefits of the SMILE scheme the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the “SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise” scheme on February 12, 2022. Marginalized individuals including transgender persons and beggars face severe socio-economic challenges such as a lack of access to necessities, healthcare and livelihood opportunities. These groups are often subject to significant social stigma, exclusion and exploitation, which exacerbate their vulnerabilities. This comprehensive initiative aims to provide extensive support through various welfare measures, designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate marginalized individuals into society with dignity and security.
Overview
The SMILE scheme is a multi-faceted initiative with a total allocation of ₹365 crore covering 2021-22 to 2025-26 [PIB 2022]. It includes two central sector sub-schemes that focus on the comprehensive rehabilitation of transgender persons and individuals engaged in begging.
The Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons provides support through scholarships for students from Class IX to post-graduation skill development opportunities through the PM-DAKSH scheme and financial assistance for gender-reaffirmation surgeries under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) [PIB 2022].
Additionally, ‘Garima Greh’ (shelter homes) offer transgender person accommodation, medical care, and skill development, creating safe spaces for their growth and empowerment. The establishment of Transgender Protection Cells in each state ensures that offences against transgender person are properly registered, investigated, and prosecuted, providing them with necessary legal protection [PIB 2022].
The Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in Begging addresses the needs of this marginalized group through a structured approach encompassing four key areas: Survey and Identification, Mobilization, Shelter Homes and Rehabilitation. Surveys are conducted to identify beneficiaries and create a national database, which is crucial for targeted interventions.
Mobilization involves outreach and awareness campaigns to encourage individuals engaged in begging to utilise the services offered by the government. Shelter homes provide basic services such as food, clothing, medical facilities and education for children, alongside counselling and psychological support. Rehabilitation is achieved through skill development and vocational training, helping these individuals transition into wage or self-employment, thus paving the way for their social reintegration and economic independence.
SMILE-75 Initiative
The SMILE-75 initiative was launched to extend the benefits of the SMILE scheme to 75 municipal corporations and municipalities across the country. This initiative which commenced in FY 2023-24 has a budget allocation of ₹100 crore spread over five years [PIB 2023]. The cities targeted include metropolitan areas, pilgrimage sites, cultural and tourist destinations, aspirational districts and cities in the North East, ensuring a wide geographical spread.
In the past, Srinagar witnessed the rollout of the SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme, marking a significant step in the region’s approach to social welfare and rehabilitation. The initiative, led by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin, was implemented to transform the lives of beggars in the district. As part of the scheme, a comprehensive ban on begging was enforced by the end of June 2024, leading to the relocation of individuals involved in begging to dedicated rehabilitation homes. Here the needs were carefully assessed, and tailored support was provided to facilitate their reintegration into society. Similarly, Mysuru is actively participating in the SMILE-75 initiative, with efforts focused on making the city beggar-free.
This involves training volunteers to conduct surveys in public spaces and offering comprehensive support, including medical aid, counselling, and skill development, to ensure effective rehabilitation.
Budget Allocations
The SMILE scheme has received significant financial backing with budget allocations reflecting the growing commitment to the cause of marginalized communities. The allocation started with ₹35 crore in 2021-22 and has steadily increased to a projected ₹106.88 crore for 2025-26.
These funds are essential for the effective implementation of various sub-schemes under SMILE, ensuring that resources are available for the comprehensive rehabilitation of both transgender persons and individuals engaged in begging, which is provided by the central government.
Functioning
The SMILE scheme’s functioning is underpinned by a well-coordinated approach involving multiple stakeholders. For transgender individuals, the scheme provides scholarships and skill development programs that support educational and career aspirations, helping them break free from the cycle of marginalization. Garima Greh shelters serve as safe havens, offering food, clothing, medical care and psychological counselling. The establishment of Transgender Protection Cells in each state ensures that offences against transgender persons are addressed promptly, providing a legal framework that safeguards their rights [PIB 2022].
For individuals engaged in begging, the scheme follows a structured process that begins with the identification of beneficiaries through surveys. These surveys conducted using a standardized format help create a comprehensive national database, enabling targeted interventions. Mobilization efforts are crucial in raising awareness about the services available and encouraging individuals to take the first steps toward rehabilitation. Shelter homes provide a range of basic services ensuring that the immediate needs of beneficiaries are met while rehabilitation through skill development and vocational training helps individuals secure employment, thereby facilitating their social reintegration.
Performance
The performance of the SMILE scheme can be measured by its budget allocations, achievements and the effectiveness of its components. The progressive increase in budget allocations from ₹35 crore in 2021-22 to a projected ₹106.88 crore for 2025-26 reflects a growing commitment to supporting marginalized communities. Tamil Nadu has emerged as a model state with several successful initiatives under the SMILE scheme, including the establishment of a Garima Greh shelter the issuance of identity cards to transgender individuals and the provision of scholarships.
Mysuru’s efforts to become a beggar-free city are also noteworthy, with comprehensive support provided through shelter homes and vocational training programs aimed at effective rehabilitation. Despite these successes, the scheme faces challenges such as inconsistent implementation and resource allocation issues. The absence of completed surveys and identification of beneficiaries under the SMILE scheme as of July 26, 2023, highlights a critical gap that needs to be addressed. Moreover, regional variations in the execution of the scheme have led to uneven delivery of services, underlining the need for standardized guidelines across states.
Impact
The SMILE scheme has had a substantial impact on improving the living conditions of transgender individuals and those engaged in begging. For the transgender community, the scheme has facilitated access to education, healthcare and legal protections, contributing to enhanced social security and reduced discrimination. The establishment of Transgender Protection Cells has played a crucial role in ensuring that offences against transgender persons are addressed promptly, providing them with much-needed legal support.
For individuals engaged in begging, the scheme has made significant strides in providing shelter, education and vocational training, thereby enhancing their prospects for social reintegration and economic independence. Cities like Mysore and Srinagar have started implementing the scheme under SMILE-75, but final reports are not in the public domain also funds are directly given by the central government with zero involvement of the state. However, challenges such as inconsistent implementation and inadequate follow-up on rehabilitation efforts persist indicating areas for improvement adding to this recent data is unavailable.
Emerging Issues
The implementation of the SMILE scheme has brought to light several emerging challenges that need to be addressed for its continued success. Inconsistent data collection protocols have underscored the need for standardized procedures to ensure accurate tracking of beneficiaries and effective program management. Variability in state-level execution has led to uneven delivery of services, necessitating the development of standardized guidelines across regions.
Delays in resource allocation have also hampered the scheme’s effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of timely disbursement of funds. This scheme should focus on first collecting the data and merging it with the existing schemes related to the house, education, scholarship etc adding to this one central execution plan should be given to district administration to have better execution of the scheme. Furthermore, regional challenges particularly in areas like Tamil Nadu, Mysuru and Kozhikode have complicated the scheme’s execution due to local administrative issues and resource constraints.
If we see the European Union’s efforts to support the welfare and rights of transgender individuals through its LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025. This strategy represents the EU’s commitment to fostering a Union of Equality where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals live free from discrimination, exclusion or violence. Building on previous initiatives like the “List of Actions to Advance LGBTI Equality” the current strategy focuses on enhancing transgender rights through targeted policies and legal frameworks.
It stresses the integration of LGBTIQ equality across all policies, and as calling for coordinated efforts from member states, civil society organisations and international bodies to combat discrimination. The April 2023 progress report highlights various successful projects and best practices in advancing LGBTIQ rights, including those of transgender individuals, and sets a basis for future actions to achieve the strategy’s goals by 2025. The EU aims to ensure that transgender individuals have equal access to healthcare, legal recognition, and social inclusion, fostering a more inclusive society.
European initiatives aim to tackle homelessness, often overlapping with the issue of begging. For instance, Germany’s pledge to end homelessness by 2030 and Denmark’s program to abolish long-term homelessness include provisions that could benefit beggars by addressing root causes such as the lack of affordable housing and social support.
The UK’s efforts, including Prince William’s campaign to end long-term homelessness and projects like Café Art, offer both immediate relief and long-term integration opportunities for beggars. NGOs play a crucial role in providing shelter, food and advocacy for systemic changes. However, the criminalisation of homelessness in countries like Hungary highlights a significant challenge, as punitive measures do not address the underlying causes of begging. The European Typology of Homelessness and Housing Exclusion (ETHOS) framework helps policymakers understand and address the specific needs of beggars.
Way Forward
The SMILE scheme represents a significant step forward in addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized individuals, particularly transgender persons and beggars. By providing comprehensive support through education, healthcare, skill development and legal protections, the scheme aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate these communities into society. While it has made positive strides in improving the lives of beneficiaries, ongoing efforts are required to overcome emerging challenges and ensure the scheme’s long-term impact.
However, To maximize the SMILE scheme’s impact, it is crucial to address these emerging issues and focus on effective execution. Implementing standardized guidelines will ensure uniformity in the scheme’s execution across states, while improving data management systems will optimize beneficiary identification and resource allocation. Ensuring timely resource allocation is vital for the scheme’s success, as delays can significantly undermine its effectiveness.
Engaging stakeholders including state governments and local bodies will be crucial in improving the scheme’s overall impact. Furthermore, expanding outreach and awareness efforts, leveraging technology and addressing regional variations will improve the scheme’s effectiveness and reach. The way forward involves a commitment to ongoing improvement, collaboration and adaptation to evolving needs and challenges. By focusing on these areas, the SMILE scheme can continue to make a significant impact, providing marginalized individuals with the support and opportunities needed for a dignified and self-sufficient life.
Reference:
- SMILE SCHEME. (n.d.). https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1806161
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. (2022). SMILE (SUPPORT FOR MARGINALISED INDIVIDUALS FOR LIVELIHOOD AND ENTERPRISE).https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/mar/doc20223522601.pdf
- Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar launches “SMILE” scheme. (n.d.). https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1797968
- Government of India Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. (2022). Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) guidelines. In Government of India Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/SMILE%20Guidelines_1649742207.pdf
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- The Hindu Bureau. (2024, February 28). SMILE-75 aims to make Mysuru a “beggar-free city.” The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/smile-75-aims-to-make-mysuru-a-beggar-free-city/article67896197.ece
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- Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, & Government of India. (2021). Annual Report 2021-22. https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/66961650351779.pdf
- LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025. (n.d.). European Commission. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-and-intersex-equality/lgbtiq-equality-strategy-2020-2025_en
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- Carbonaro, G. (2024, February 14). Controversial ban on begging sparks fierce debate in Luxembourg. Euronews. https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/14/controversial-ban-on-begging-sparks-fierce-debate-in-luxembourg
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About the Contributor: Shivashish Narayan is an Intern at IMPRI. He is a law graduate from Indore Institute of Law. His interest areas are policy and legal.
Acknowledgment: The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Arjun Kumar, Ms Aasthaba Jadeja, Ms Naushaba, Mr Dhruv, Ms Kirti Ranjan and Ms Arohi for their invaluable contributions into this article.
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