The SMILE scheme aims to provide market-oriented skills to transgender persons, thereby creating employment opportunities and enhancing their employability. Through carefully selected training programmes, the initiative strives to empower transgender beneficiaries with the skills needed to secure dignified employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Objectives
- Employment Generation:
Equip transgender persons with market-relevant skills to enable sustainable employment. - Skill Enhancement:
Impart technical and soft skills based on national consultations with the transgender community. - Inclusive Growth:
Provide free, comprehensive training to enhance the socio-economic status of transgender individuals.
Training Programmes Offered
- Short Term Training Programmes:
- Duration: 200 to 600 hours (up to 6 months).
- Long Term Training Programmes:
- Duration: 5 months to 1 year (up to 1000 hours).
Benefits
- Free of Cost Training:
All training programmes are provided free to the trainees. - Stipend:
A stipend of ₹1,000 per month is provided in non-residential training settings, contingent upon achieving at least 80% attendance. - Post-Placement Assistance:
Support is provided for job placement, wage employment, or self-employment, based on training completion and attendance. - Additional Support:
Training institutions facilitate various services including mentoring and skill development.
Note:
Candidates must maintain at least 80% live attendance to be eligible for the stipend and to receive the course completion certificate. Each candidate can participate in only one skill development training programme.
Eligibility Criteria
- Transgender Certificate:
Must hold a valid Transgender Identity Certificate issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment). - Community Eligibility:
The beneficiary should belong to the transgender community as notified by the Government of India. - Exclusivity:
Applicants should not be receiving similar benefits from any other Centre/State scheme. - Age Limit:
Eligible candidates are aged between 18 and 45 years. - One-time Participation:
A candidate can undergo training under the programme only once.
Application Process
Offline Application via the National Portal for Transgender Persons:
- Login:
- Visit the National Portal for Transgender Persons and log in using the credentials issued when you obtained your Transgender Certificate and Identity Card.
- Access the Skill Training Section:
- Once logged in, navigate to the “Skill Training” tab on your dashboard.
- Apply:
- Click on “Apply Now”.
- Enter your unique Transgender Certificate number along with other required personal details.
- Provide the state and district where you wish to receive training along with two preferences for the skill development programme.
- Enter bank details (the account must be Aadhaar-linked, and the name on the account must match the given/chosen name).
- Click “Confirm” to complete the registration.
- Enrollment:
- After registration and selection of courses based on your interest, you will be enrolled in a training batch.
- You will then be required to undergo a psychometric test at the training institute to determine the most suitable programme.
- Maintaining a minimum of 80% attendance during training is mandatory to receive the stipend and the certificate upon course completion.
How to Obtain a Transgender Identity Certificate
- Online Registration:
- Visit this portal and select “Online Registration” then click on “Register here”.
- Fill Details:
- Enter your name, email ID, contact number, and select your state and district.
- Complete the CAPTCHA and click “REGISTER”.
- Verification:
- You will receive a confirmation with credentials via email.
- Log in with these credentials to complete the application for your certificate.
Documents Required
- A valid Transgender Identity Certificate (issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Are the training programmes free of cost?
Yes, all training programmes under this scheme are provided free of cost. -
Is there any income criterion for availing this scheme?
No, there is no income criterion for selection. -
Is it compulsory to have a Transgender Identity Certificate issued by the National Portal?
Yes, possession of a valid Transgender Certificate is mandatory for eligibility. -
Can I apply for multiple skill development training programmes?
No, candidates are eligible to undergo training only once and can participate in only one programme. -
What is the age limit for participation?
Candidates must be between 18 and 45 years. -
What happens after successful registration?
After registration, you will be enrolled in a batch based on your selected courses, and you must complete a psychometric test to determine the most suitable programme. -
How do I know if I qualify for the stipend and certificate?
Maintaining a live attendance of at least 80% is crucial for receiving the stipend and the course completion certificate.