Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE

Why in News?

The SMILE scheme (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise), launched in 2021, aims to provide comprehensive rehabilitation and welfare for transgender persons and individuals engaged in begging. The scheme is in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat and focuses on advancing the welfare of these marginalized communities.

Key Components of the SMILE Scheme

The SMILE scheme comprises two sub-schemes:

1. Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for the Welfare of Transgender Persons
2. Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Beggars

These sub-schemes offer rehabilitation, medical facilities, skill development, and education support. They aim to help transgender persons and beggars lead lives of dignity and self-sufficiency.

Provisions Under the Scheme:

• Shelter Homes: The scheme supports the use of existing shelters for transgender persons, or in the absence of them, the creation of new ones.
• Educational Support: Scholarships are available for transgender students from Class 9 to post-graduate level.
• Medical Facilities: Includes comprehensive health services under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and supports gender-reaffirmation surgeries.
• Skill Development: Includes provisions for PM-DAKSH skill development schemes for livelihood opportunities.
• Housing Support (Garima Greh): Provides food, shelter, recreational facilities, medical support, and skill development for transgender persons and beggars.

The scheme is implemented with the help of State/UT Governments, Urban Local Bodies, voluntary organizations, and community-based organizations.

Challenges Faced by Transgenders

1. Social Exclusion: Transgender individuals face isolation, leading to mental health issues and substance abuse.
2. Discrimination:

• Violence: They are often subjected to violence, including physical abuse and hate crimes.
• Employment: Transgender persons frequently encounter employment discrimination, resulting in economic instability.
• Education: Discrimination in educational institutions hinders their access to quality education and career opportunities.

1. Family Rejection: Many transgender persons are disowned by their families, further exacerbating their vulnerabilities.
2. Healthcare Barriers: Transgender individuals face discrimination by healthcare providers, deterring them from seeking necessary treatments, including gender-affirming procedures.

Key Legal Framework

1. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: It aims to protect the rights of transgender persons but has gaps, such as no provision for self-determination of gender.
2. NALSA Judgment (2014): This landmark judgment recognizes transgender persons as a third gender and mandates their rights to education, healthcare, and employment.
3. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020: Provides detailed provisions for transgender rights and welfare.

Existing Initiatives for Transgender Welfare

1. Ayushman Bharat TG Plus Card: Offers health benefits, including gender-reassignment surgeries.
2. Swachh Bharat Mission: Includes dedicated toilets for transgender persons.
3. National Portal for Transgender Persons: Provides information and solutions related to transgender welfare.
4. National Council for Transgender Persons: A government body that addresses transgender rights and issues.

Future Steps for Uplifting Transgender Persons

1. Transgender-Inclusive Policies: Legal and law enforcement systems must be sensitized to transgender issues.
2. Addressing Social Concerns: Legal aid, supportive education, and social entitlements must be provided.
3. Health Care Reforms: Separate policies for transgender-inclusive healthcare should be communicated to both private and public healthcare institutions.
4. Financial Security: Liberal credit facilities and financial assistance should be made available for entrepreneurial ventures by transgender persons, modeled on SHG-Bank Linkage Programs.
5. Transgender Prisoners: A gender-fluid approach must be implemented for transgender prisoners, considering their unique needs, as advocated by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI).

The SMILE scheme plays a crucial role in integrating marginalized communities, especially transgender persons, into mainstream society. However, for complete upliftment, there needs to be a comprehensive policy addressing their legal rights, healthcare needs, and socio-economic inclusion. Transgender-inclusive policies at all levels of government, alongside greater awareness and societal acceptance, are essential for building a truly inclusive society.