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To address the enduring issue of destitution and beggary, the Government of India has developed the comprehensive SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme.
As part of the “SMILE-75” Initiative, 75 Municipal Corporations will provide thorough rehabilitation for beggars in the spirit of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Aim of SMILE-75 Initiative
- Municipal Corporations will provide a range of comprehensive welfare measures for people who are involved in begging in collaboration with NGOs and other stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation, medical facility provision, counselling, awareness, education, skill development, economic ties, and convergence with other Government welfare programs, among other things.
- The SMILE project would have a total budget of Rs. 100 crore from now till 2025–2026 from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- It aims to create a support system for the comprehensive rehabilitation of beggars.
- Local urban bodies, civil society organisations, and non-governmental organisations all play a vital part in the coordinated efforts to address the act of begging.
- According to the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act (BPBA), beggars in Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai are subject to criminal prosecution (1959). Following the law, the Social Welfare Department agents undertake raids in collaboration with the Police and collect beggars. They are later tried in particular courts known as “beggar courts.”
What is Meant by Comprehensive Rehabilitation?
The SMILE-75 Initiative includes a subprogram called comprehensive rehabilitation for people who beg and covers identification, rehabilitation, medical services, counselling, and education, as well as developing skills for finding decent employment and starting a business.
Census of Beggars in India
- According to the Census 2011, there are 4,13,670 beggars in India (including 2,21,673 men and 1,91,997 women), a rise from the previous count.
- Uttar Pradesh comes in first on the list, followed by West Bengal at number two and Bihar at three. According to the 2011 census, only two vagrants are living in Lakshadweep.
- There were 2,187 beggars in New Delhi, the most of any union territory, followed by 121 in Chandigarh. Assam led the list of northeastern states with 22,116 beggars, while Mizoram came in last with 53.
