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The SMILE scheme provides transgender individuals with market-oriented skills to open doors to employment opportunities.  Read More... Read less

Details

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is running a special initiative called SMILE. This scheme is designed to empower transgender persons by equipping them with skills that are in demand in the job market. The goal is to create better employment opportunities and ensure that transgender individuals can earn a dignified livelihood.

What is the SMILE Scheme?

SMILE stands for Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Transgender Persons. Under this scheme, transgender individuals are offered free training in various skills. These skills are chosen based on market needs and consultations with the transgender community, ensuring that the training leads to real job prospects.

Who is the SMILE Scheme For?

This scheme is specifically for individuals who identify as transgender. It aims to support them by providing vocational training that can lead to stable employment.

Why is the SMILE Scheme Important?

The SMILE scheme plays a crucial role in bridging the employment gap faced by the transgender community. By offering market-relevant skills, it promotes financial independence and social inclusion, enabling transgender persons to participate more actively in the economy and society.

Objective

The SMILE scheme provides transgender individuals with market-oriented skills to open doors to employment opportunities.

Benefits

  • Loan up to ₹15 Lakh per beneficiary for pursuing income generating activities such as Agriculture and Allied Activities, Small Business/Artisan & Traditional Occupation, Transport Sector & Service Sector, and Technical & Professional Trades/Courses.
  • The rate of interest would be as follows - Loan up to ₹ 5.00 Lakh: 6% per annum; Loan above ₹5.00 Lakh up to ₹ 10.00 Lakh: 7% per annum; Loan above ₹10.00 Lakh up to ₹ 15.00 Lakh: 8% per annum.
  • Sources and references

    Who Can Apply for the SMILE Scheme?

    1. Valid Certificate: Applicants must possess a valid Transgender Certificate and Identity Card issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons. This gives them priority for training.
    2. Community Identification: Beneficiaries must belong to the Transgender community as recognized by the Government of India.
    3. Mandatory Certificate: A Transgender Certificate issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is mandatory. You can get it from: https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/
    4. No Double Benefits: Beneficiaries should not be receiving similar benefits from any other Central or State government scheme.
    5. No Income Limit: There is no specific income criterion to be eligible for this skill development program.
    6. Age Limit: Transgender individuals between the ages of 18 and 45 years are eligible to enroll in the skill development training programs.
    7. Free of Cost: The skill development training programs are completely free for the target group.

    Please Note: Each candidate can undergo training under the skill development program only once and can participate in only one training program.

    How to Apply for the SMILE Scheme

    The application process for the SMILE scheme involves enrolling in a chosen skill development training program. The training institutions will guide eligible candidates. While specific application forms and detailed online/offline submission procedures are not detailed here, it's important to note the following:

    1. Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
    2. Obtain your Transgender Certificate and Identity Card from the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
    3. Contact the empanelled training institutions or visit the official portal for registration details. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment oversees the scheme.
    4. Your Transgender Certificate from the National Portal (https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/) is crucial for your application.

    Documents You Will Need

    • Transgender Identity Certificate: This certificate must be issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons, under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

    FAQ’s

    Can I join more than one training program under the SMILE scheme?

    No, you are eligible to participate in only one skill development training program and can undergo training just once under this scheme.

    What is the age range for transgender individuals to apply for this training?

    Transgender individuals between 18 and 45 years old are eligible to apply for the skill development training programs.

    Do I need a transgender certificate to apply?

    Yes, it is mandatory for transgender individuals to have a Transgender Certificate issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. You can find more information and apply at https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/

    Does the scheme require applicants to meet a certain income level?

    No, there is no income criterion for individuals looking to be selected for the skill development programs under this scheme.

    Is there any cost involved in the training programs offered by the SMILE scheme?

    The skill development training programs under the SMILE scheme are completely free of cost for the transgender individuals who are the target beneficiaries.

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