On a hot afternoon at a busy traffic signal in Delhi, cars slow down as the light turns red. A young boy taps on windows, an elderly man stretches out his hand, and a transgender person walks between vehicles asking for help. For most people waiting in their cars, this scene has become routine, seen, but rarely understood.
But for the government, this street scene represents something deeper: a gap in opportunity, support, and dignity. It is this gap that the SMILE scheme is trying to bridge.
Launched in February 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) is India’s first integrated programme designed to support two of the most vulnerable groups: transgender persons and beggars. The idea is simple but powerful: move people from the margins of society into the mainstream, reports PIB.
The scale of the effort is significant. For the period 2021 to 2026, officials say that the government has allocated ₹390 crore for the scheme. As of March 2026, more than 31,000 individuals engaged in begging have been identified, and nearly 10,000 have already been rehabilitated. This shows that the scheme is not just on paper, but is working on the ground.
At its core, SMILE works like a bridge. India already has many welfare schemes for health, education, housing, and jobs. But many marginalised people cannot access them due to lack of documents, awareness, or social support. SMILE connects them to these services while also addressing their immediate needs like shelter, counselling, and skill training.
One of the key focus areas is support for the transgender community. Over the years, India has taken steps to recognise their rights, especially after the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Building on this, SMILE offers practical support, from scholarships for students to skill training and healthcare.
A major step is the health cover provided under Ayushman Bharat TG Plus, which offers up to ₹5 lakh per year. This includes gender-affirming procedures, hormone therapy, and other medical care at approved hospitals. For many transgender persons, who often face discrimination in healthcare, this is a crucial support.
Shelter is another important aspect. At present, 21 “Garima Greh” homes are running across 17 states, offering safe and respectful living spaces for transgender persons who may have been rejected by their families. These homes provide food, healthcare, and opportunities to learn skills and find work.
At the same time, the scheme is also working to reduce begging through rehabilitation rather than punishment. The PIB press release suggests that in 181 cities, local teams are identifying people engaged in begging and offering them a chance to rebuild their lives.
The process starts on the streets, with surveys and counselling. People are then moved to shelter homes where they receive food, safety, and care. From there, they are trained in various skills, such as tailoring, cooking, carpentry, and even driving e-rickshaws. They are also linked to banks and self-help groups, so they can start earning independently.
Importantly, the support does not stop after training. The scheme follows up to ensure that individuals do not return to the streets. For those facing deeper challenges like addiction or old age, connections are made with de-addiction centres and old-age homes.
Behind the numbers are real stories of change. People are moving from a life of uncertainty to one of stability and respect. What was once a daily struggle at traffic signals or street corners can become a pathway to regular income and social acceptance.
SMILE reflects a broader shift in thinking. Instead of treating problems separately, it looks at the full picture, identity, health, education, and livelihood, and tries to address them together. The goal is not just to provide temporary relief, but to create long-term change. As the scheme expands, its impact is becoming more visible. The familiar street scenes may not disappear overnight, but slowly, they are beginning to change. For many, SMILE is not just a government programme; it is a second chance at life, with dignity and hope.
