Government Reports Nearly 10,000 Individuals Rehabilitated Under SMILE Beggary Initiative with 21 Garima Grehs Established
Synopsis
The SMILE programme has successfully rehabilitated nearly 10,000 individuals from begging. With 21 operational Garima Grehs providing shelter for marginalized communities, this initiative marks a significant step toward inclusivity and support for transgender persons in India.
Key Takeaways
31,055 individuals identified, 9,935 rehabilitated under SMILE.
21 Garima Grehs operational across 17 states.
Garima Grehs provide safe housing and essential services.
SMILE aims for a Begging-Free India through comprehensive rehabilitation.
390 crore allocated for SMILE from 2021-2026.
New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) A total of 31,055 individuals have been recognized and 9,935 people have successfully undergone rehabilitation through the beggary sub-scheme of the SMILE initiative, as reported by the government on Monday.
The government has confirmed that 21 Garima Grehs are currently operational across 17 states, with an additional three homes approved in August 2025, according to an official announcement.
Garima Greh shelter facilities offer a safe and dignified living environment for transgender individuals facing homelessness due to family rejection or societal stigma.
Each shelter provides food, medical assistance, recreational options, and skill development support, managed by Community Based Organisations (CBOs) with funding from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE).
Initiated in 2022, SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) is India’s first comprehensive national framework aimed at identifying, rescuing, and rehabilitating marginalized individuals, while also offering healthcare, education, counseling, skill enhancement, and long-term economic self-sufficiency.
The government has stated that each transgender individual is entitled to health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Bharat TG Plus scheme, which covers gender-affirming healthcare, hormone therapy, and sex reassignment surgery at accredited hospitals.
For the period spanning 2021-2026, the government has allocated Rs. 390 crore for the SMILE initiative.
The statement emphasizes that SMILE signifies a pivotal change in India’s approach to supporting its most vulnerable populations — transitioning from isolated solutions addressing singular issues to a unified system that encompasses identity, health, education, livelihood, and shelter.
Furthermore, the SMILE initiative provides scholarships for transgender students from Class IX through post-graduation.
The sub-scheme dedicated to the Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Individuals Engaged in Begging aims to fulfill the government’s vision of a Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat (Begging-Free India) through extensive rehabilitation efforts.
On a pilot basis, 18 Entrepreneurship Development Programs have been launched nationwide, aiming to train 1,800 transgender individuals in areas such as business planning, market analysis, regulatory compliance, financial access, and connections to incubation centers or banks, as noted in the statement.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the government's efforts to rehabilitate marginalized individuals through the SMILE initiative. This program not only addresses the immediate needs of those affected by begging but also establishes a framework for long-term empowerment and social integration. The establishment of Garima Grehs is a crucial step in fostering a more inclusive society.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMILE programme?
The SMILE programme stands for Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise, aiming to identify, rescue, and rehabilitate marginalized people in India.
How many Garima Grehs are currently operational?
There are currently 21 Garima Grehs operational across 17 states in India.
What support do Garima Grehs provide?
Garima Grehs offer safe accommodation, food, medical care, recreational activities, and skill-building support for transgender individuals.
What is the funding for the SMILE initiative?
The government has allocated Rs. 390 crore for the SMILE scheme for the years 2021-2026.
What health coverage do transgender individuals receive?
Transgender individuals receive health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per year under the Ayushman Bharat TG Plus scheme.
