The SMILE Scheme 2025 focuses on bringing transgender citizens into the mainstream. This government scheme offers various benefits such as health insurance, scholarships, skill development, and livelihood support to transgender individuals. If you identify as transgender and want to know how this scheme can help you, keep reading for detailed information about eligibility, benefits, registration process, and more.
Overview of the SMILE Scheme 2025
The SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) Scheme has been started by the Government of India to support transgender citizens. It aims to improve their social and economic status by offering health benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, scholarships for education, and help for skill and livelihood development. Around 60,000 transgender people are expected to benefit from this scheme during 2024-25 to 2025-26 with a budget of ₹365 crore.
Main Objectives of the SMILE Scheme
- To promote the welfare and development of transgender people.
- Provide health insurance cover up to ₹5,00,000, including gender reformation surgery and hormone therapy.
- Offer scholarships to transgender students from 9th grade up to postgraduate level, worth ₹13,500 annually.
- Support skill development and livelihood opportunities through PM Daksh Yojana.
- Make sure social inclusion, dignity, and independence for transgender individuals.
Main Features of SMILE Scheme
- Health insurance provided under Ayushman Bharat for transgender-specific medical needs, like gender reassignment surgery.
- Scholarships to help transgender students complete their education from secondary to higher education.
- Skill training and job placement help to improve livelihood options.
- “Garima Greh” houses offering food, shelter, healthcare, entertainment, and skill development opportunities for transgender citizens.
- Setting up Transgender Protection Cells in states to make sure timely reporting and investigation of crimes against the community.
Sub-Schemes Under SMILE
- Scholarship Program: Financial help for transgender students from 9th to postgraduate level to encourage continued education.
- Skill Development and Employment: Works with PM Daksh Yojana to provide vocational training and livelihood support.
- Health and Medical Care: Access to health insurance benefits through the National Health Authority, including surgeries and hormone therapy.
- Rehabilitation of Beggars: Survey, outreach, and shelter facilities for citizens involved in begging, offering rehabilitation and education.
Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of India.
- Applicant must identify as transgender.
- Documents needed: Aadhaar card, residence proof, income certificate, age proof, passport size photograph, mobile number, email ID, and ration card.
How to Apply for SMILE Scheme?
Currently, the SMILE Scheme application portal has not been launched yet. Once the official website is live, eligible transgender individuals can register online to get scheme benefits. We will update our readers as soon as the application process begins, so keep following for the latest news.
Important Information
- SMILE Scheme was started by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 12 February 2024.
- It combines two central sector schemes: a rehabilitation program for transgender persons and a rehabilitation plan for beggars.
- The scheme promotes dignity, welfare, and empowerment of transgender community members.
- Funds of ₹365 crore are set aside covering the years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
- Initially piloted in 10 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad.
Benefits at a Glance
| Scheme Name | SMILE Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Beneficiary | Transgender Citizens |
| Primary Objective | Social and Economic Development of Transgender People |
| Annual Scholarship Amount | ₹13,500 |
| Health Insurance Cover | Up to ₹5,00,000 |
| Budget Allocation | ₹365 Crores for 2024-25 & 2025-26 |
| Number of Beneficiaries | Approx. 60,000 |
| Official Website | To be launched soon |
If you are a transgender individual interested in this scheme, make sure you register on the national transgender portal once it’s live to get your benefits. This government effort marks a positive step toward inclusion and growth for transgender citizens across India.