NBCFDC General Loan Scheme 2026

The SMILE scheme offers market-oriented skills training to transgender individuals, aiming to boost their employment opportunities and Read More... provide dignified livelihoods. Read less

Details

The Indian government is committed to empowering all sections of society. Through the SMILE scheme, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is focusing on creating better futures for transgender persons.

What Is The SMILE Scheme?

SMILE stands for Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons. It's a special initiative designed to equip transgender individuals with skills that are in demand in the job market. The goal is simple: to help them find stable jobs and live with dignity.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is specifically for individuals who identify as transgender. It aims to provide them with opportunities that might otherwise be hard to come by.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the transgender community, the SMILE scheme focuses on empowerment through employment. By providing specialized training, it bridges the gap between aspirations and opportunities, helping transgender persons gain financial independence and social inclusion.

Objective

The SMILE scheme offers market-oriented skills training to transgender individuals, aiming to boost their employment opportunities and provide dignified livelihoods.

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

Guidelines

Who Can Apply For This Scheme?

To be considered for the skill development training under the SMILE scheme, transgender individuals must meet the following criteria:

Valid Certificate: Possess a valid Transgender Certificate and Identity Card issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons. Applicants with these documents will be prioritized for training of their choice.
Community Belonging: Applicants must belong to the Transgender community as officially recognized by the Government of India.
Official Documentation: Must hold a Transgender Certificate issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons. You can find more information and apply here: https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/
No Dual Benefit: Beneficiaries should not be receiving similar benefits from any other Central or State government scheme.
No Income Bar: There is no specific income limit to be eligible for selection in this skill development program.
Age Limit: Transgender persons between the ages of 18 to 45 years are eligible for these training programs.

Important Note: Each candidate can undergo training under the skill development program only once and can participate in only one such program throughout their lifetime.

How To Apply

The SMILE scheme facilitates skill development through designated training partners. The application process is generally as follows:

Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned above, especially holding a valid Transgender Certificate.
Identify Training Program: Choose a skill development training program offered by the training institutions associated with the scheme.
Application Submission: Apply through the official channels provided by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment or the designated training partner institutions. The application details and links are usually available on the Ministry's website or the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
- Official Portal: Information and application links can often be found at https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/
Selection: Selected candidates will be notified by the training institutions.

Note: Specific application forms and procedures may vary slightly depending on the training partner. It is advisable to check the latest notifications on the official websites.

Documents You Need To Apply

A valid Transgender Identity Certificate issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Official Sources

For more details and application procedures, please visit the official website: https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/

FAQ’s

What is the age limit for joining the skill development training?

You must be between 18 and 45 years old to be eligible for the skill development training programs under the SMILE scheme.

Can I get training under this scheme more than once?

No, candidates are eligible to participate in only one skill development training program and can undergo training only once.

Is it mandatory to have a transgender certificate from the National Portal?

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

Does the scheme require applicants to have a low income?

No, there is no income criterion for selection into the skill development programs. All eligible transgender individuals can apply regardless of their income.

Will I have to pay for the training programs?

No, the skill development training programs offered under the SMILE scheme are completely free of cost for the beneficiaries.

What kind of support is provided after the training is completed?

After completing the training with at least 80% attendance, trainees receive post-placement assistance to help them find wage employment or start self-employment.

What documents are needed to apply for the training?

The primary document required is a valid Transgender Identity Certificate issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.