SMILE Scheme – Skill Development for Transgender Persons

Overview

SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) is a central government umbrella scheme for the welfare of transgender persons. The Skill Development component provides free vocational training to transgender individuals, helping them gain employment and economic independence.

The initiative is implemented through the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) and other training partners.

Objective

The objective is to equip transgender persons with marketable skills so they can access dignified employment opportunities. It is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate and mainstream transgender individuals into society and the workforce.

Benefits

• Free skill development and vocational training
• Stipend during training period
• Certification from recognized bodies
• Placement assistance after training
• Coverage of training costs, including materials and accommodation in some cases

Eligibility

• Must be a transgender person as recognized under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
• Must possess a Transgender Identity Certificate issued by a District Magistrate
• Age: 18 years and above
• No fixed income or employment condition may apply for certain sub-components

Exclusions

• Persons without a valid Transgender Identity Certificate may not qualify
• Those already employed in formal sector jobs may not be prioritized
• Training slots are limited and allocated based on availability
• Applicants who have already completed training under SMILE are not eligible again

Application Process

1. Contact the nearest District Social Welfare Office or SMILE nodal center
2. Obtain the application form for the skill development component
3. Submit the form with a copy of the Transgender Identity Certificate
4. Training batch allocation will be communicated after verification
5. Attend training and receive certification upon completion

Documents Required

• Transgender Identity Certificate
• Aadhaar card
• Address proof
• Passport-size photographs
• Educational qualification certificates (if available)
• Bank account details for stipend transfer