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Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE - UPSC Social Issues
What is Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE in UPSC Social Issues?
Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE is a key topic under Social Issues for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme was launched in 2021 for transgender persons and beggars.. It aims for comprehensive rehabilitation, promoting dignity and advancing Viksit Bharat.. The scheme merges existing welfare programs and has two sub-schemes for transgender persons and those engaged in begging.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
Why is Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE important for UPSC exam?
Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Social Issues. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
How to prepare Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE for UPSC?
To prepare Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Social Issues. (5) Write practice answers linking Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE to related GS Paper topics.
Key takeaways of Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE for UPSC
- SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme was launched in 2021 for transgender persons and beggars.
- It aims for comprehensive rehabilitation, promoting dignity and advancing Viksit Bharat.
- The scheme merges existing welfare programs and has two sub-schemes for transgender persons and those engaged in begging.
- Key provisions include scholarships, skill development (via PM-DAKSH), medical support (via PM-JAY, including gender-reaffirmation surgeries), and shelter homes ('Garima Greh').
- Implementation involves State/UTs, NGOs, and includes Transgender Protection Cells and a National Portal & Helpline.
- The 2011 Census first enumerated transgender population; the Transgender Persons Act, 2019, provides legal framework.
Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE
Medium⏱️ 8 min read
social issues
📖 Introduction
Comparison of Protected Areas: Biosphere Reserve, National Park, and Wildlife Sanctuary
The provided source material included a comparison of different types of protected areas. While not directly related to the SMILE Scheme, this information is retained as per the instruction to include all content.
| Feature | Biosphere Reserve | National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Promote sustainable development, conserve biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural resources. | Conserve natural environment, protect from human interference. | Protect habitats of wild animals, promote breeding. |
| Management | Internationally recognized under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) program and owned by the government. | Government has complete power over the national parks. | Can be under the government or owned under private entities. |
| Zones | Core zone (strict protection), Buffer zone (limited human activities allowed), Transition zone (sustainable development encouraged). | Typically not divided into zones. | Generally not divided into zones. |
| Human Activities | Restricted in core zone, limited in buffer zone, encouraged in transition zone. | Restricted, mainly for recreational purposes. | Restricted to prevent disturbance to animals, limited educational access. |
| Examples | Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand), Nokrek (Meghalaya). | Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh). | Gir National Park (Gujarat), Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary (Odisha). |
Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE
In 2021, the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme was launched. This initiative aims to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat, focusing on the welfare of marginalized communities.
A key component of SMILE was the introduction of the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for the Welfare of Transgender Persons.
Who is a Transgender Person?
According to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, a transgender person is defined as an individual whose gender does not align with the gender assigned at birth.
This definition is comprehensive, encompassing:
- Trans-persons with intersex variations
- Gender-queer individuals
- Persons with socio-cultural identities such as kinnar, hijra, aravani, and jogta.
The 2011 Census of India was a landmark event, being the first in the nation's history to enumerate the 'trans' population. It estimated that approximately 4.8 million Indians identified as transgender.
What is the SMILE Scheme?
The SMILE scheme is a new, integrated initiative formed by merging existing welfare schemes for beggars and transgender persons. It represents a consolidated effort towards social inclusion.
SMILE comprises two primary sub-schemes:
- Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons
- Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging
These sub-schemes are designed to provide extensive welfare and rehabilitation measures to both the transgender community and individuals engaged in begging.
Focus Areas of SMILE
The scheme's focus is broad and holistic, addressing multiple facets of rehabilitation and empowerment for marginalized individuals. It aims to provide a life of dignity.
- Rehabilitation and provision of medical facilities.
- Counselling and assistance with basic documentation.
- Support for education and skill development.
- Facilitation of economic linkages for sustainable livelihoods.
It is estimated that approximately 60,000 of the poorest persons will benefit from the SMILE scheme.
SMILE also includes provisions for scholarships for Transgender Students. These scholarships are available for students from Class 9th onwards, extending up to post-graduation, to ensure they can complete their education.
For skill development and livelihood, the scheme leverages the existing PM-DAKSH scheme, providing opportunities for vocational training and economic integration.
A crucial component is Composite Medical Health, which offers a comprehensive package in convergence with Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This includes support for Gender-reaffirmation surgeries through selected hospitals, ensuring access to essential healthcare.
The scheme also provides housing facilities through ‘Garima Greh’. These homes ensure food, clothing, recreational facilities, skill development opportunities, and medical support for both the transgender community and individuals engaged in begging.
Implementation Strategy
The SMILE scheme is implemented through a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. This ensures wider reach and effective service delivery.
- State/UT Governments and Local Urban Bodies.
- Voluntary Organizations and Community Based Organizations (CBOs).
- Other relevant Institutions.
A dedicated Transgender Protection Cell will be established in each state. This cell will monitor cases of offenses against transgender persons, ensuring timely registration, investigation, and prosecution.
A National Portal & Helpline is also part of the scheme. It provides necessary information and solutions to the transgender community and individuals engaged in begging, offering crucial support when needed.
Pilot Implementation and Funding
The sub-scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Transgenders has been implemented on a pilot basis in selected cities. These cities were chosen due to their large concentrations of the beggar and Transgender community.
In the financial year 2019-20, the Ministry released:
- Rs. 1 crore to the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD).
- Rs. 70 Lakh to the National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC).
These funds were specifically allocated for skill development programmes for beggars, demonstrating early efforts towards their rehabilitation.
💡 Key Takeaways
- •SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme was launched in 2021 for transgender persons and beggars.
- •It aims for comprehensive rehabilitation, promoting dignity and advancing Viksit Bharat.
- •The scheme merges existing welfare programs and has two sub-schemes for transgender persons and those engaged in begging.
- •Key provisions include scholarships, skill development (via PM-DAKSH), medical support (via PM-JAY, including gender-reaffirmation surgeries), and shelter homes ('Garima Greh').
- •Implementation involves State/UTs, NGOs, and includes Transgender Protection Cells and a National Portal & Helpline.
- •The 2011 Census first enumerated transgender population; the Transgender Persons Act, 2019, provides legal framework.
🧠 Memory Techniques
98% Verified Content
📚 Reference Sources
•Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) official documents on SMILE Scheme
•The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
•Press Information Bureau (PIB) releases on SMILE Scheme
•UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme for protected area definitions