SMILE - Comprehensive Rehabilitation For Welfare Of Transgender Persons – Skill Development And Training
Free skill training + ₹1,000/month stipend · transgender persons India
The SMILE Skill Development scheme provides completely free vocational training to transgender persons aged 18–45, along with a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 during training. Courses range from short-term (200–600 hours, up to 6 months) to long-term (up to 1,000 hours, up to 1 year), covering market-relevant trades for employment with dignity. Apply through the National Portal for Transgender Persons (transgender.dosje.gov.in) using your Transgender Certificate credentials.
About This Scheme
The SMILE Skill Development scheme provides completely free vocational training to transgender persons aged 18–45, along with a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 during training. Courses range from short-term (200–600 hours, up to 6 months) to long-term (up to 1,000 hours, up to 1 year), covering market-relevant trades for employment with dignity. Apply through the National Portal for Transgender Persons (transgender.dosje.gov.in) using your Transgender Certificate credentials.
Full official description
A scheme for Transgender Persons to provide employment opportunities to the person belonging to transgender person community by providing them market-oriented skills.
Objectives
The main purpose is to provide employment opportunities to the person belonging to transgender person community by providing them market-oriented skills. Areas for imparting skill training have been chosen after careful consideration by the training partners and also based on the national consultations done with the Transgender community. The skills so imparted are expected to be a means to provide ample scope for employment with dignity to the transgender beneficiary.
Under this scheme two types of skill development training programmes are provided to transgender persons:
- Short Term Training Programmes (200 hours to 600 hours and up to 6 months).
- Long Term Training Programmes (5 months and above and usually up-to 1 year) (up to 1000 hours).
Benefits
- Completely free skill training (short-term: 200–600 hours up to 6 months; long-term: up to 1,000 hours/1 year)
- ₹1,000/month stipend for non-residential training participants
- Post-placement assistance for finding wage employment or self-employment after training
- Certificate of course completion upon achieving minimum 80% attendance
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Beyond employment, the placement assistance component here can also connect transgender entrepreneurs to networks and opportunities for starting their own micro-businesses in the trained skill area.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a transgender person holding a valid Transgender Certificate and Identity Card from the National Portal for Transgender Persons
- Age between 18 and 45 years
- Must not be receiving similar skill training benefits from any other Central or State scheme
- No income limit — open to all transgender persons in the eligible age group
- Training can be availed only once
How to Apply
- Login on the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
- Submit your Transgender Identity Certificate issued through the portal.
- Select and enroll in a market-oriented training program.
- Attend training with at least 80% attendance to qualify for placement assistance.
- Receive the monthly stipend and post-placement support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are The Training Programmes Free Of Cost?
Yes. The skill development training programmes for the target group are free of cost.
Is There Any Income Criteria For Availing This Scheme?
There is no income criterion for selection in the skill development programme.
Is It Compulsory To Have Transgender Certificate Issued By National Portal For Transgender Persons?
Yes. The Transgender person shall mandatorily hold a Transgender Certificate issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. https://transgender.dosje.gov.in/
Can I Apply For Multiple Skill And Training Programmes?
No. Candidates are eligible to undergo training under skill development training programme only once and can participate only in one skill development training programme.
Is There Any Income Criteria For Availing This Scheme?
There Is No Income Criterion For Selection In The Skill Development Programme. Candidates Are Eligible To Undergo Training Under Skill Development Training Programme Only Once And Can Participate Only In One Skill Development Training Programme.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Transgender Identity Certificate issued through the National Portal