The SMILE Scheme – A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program for Beggars
Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has introduced a novel scheme called SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise). It includes a comprehensive rehabilitation program for individuals engaged in begging. Currently, a pilot project is being implemented across seven Indian cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Nagpur, and Patna.
About the SMILE Scheme
SMILE was launched after combining existing schemes for beggars and transgenders. The scheme leverages existing shelter homes organized by the State, Union Territory Governments, and local bodies to rehabilitate beggars. When needed, new dedicated shelter homes will be established by implementing agencies.
Objective of the SMILE Scheme
The primary focus of the SMILE scheme is on the rehabilitation of beggars. It intends to offer medical facilities, counseling, basic documentation, education, and skill development. The scheme also aims to facilitate economic linkages. Approximately 60,000 of India’s poorest individuals are estimated to benefit from this scheme, enabling them to lead dignified lives.
Implementation of the Scheme
The SMILE scheme implementation will involve support from State/Union Territory Governments, Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), several institutions, and others.
Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Beggars
As part of the SMILE scheme, a comprehensive program for individuals engaged in begging is in place. This has been piloted in selected cities with large concentrations of the beggar community. For the financial year 2019-20, the ministry released Rs. 1 Crore to the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) and Rs. 70 Lakh to the National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC) for skill development initiatives for beggars.
Status of Beggars in India
According to the 2011 Census, India is home to around 4,13,670 beggars (2,21,673 males and 1,91,997 females). There has been a rise in these numbers since the last census. West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar have the highest numbers, while Lakshadweep has the lowest, with only two individuals identified as vagrants. The Supreme Court recently agreed to examine a plea for decriminalizing begging, which is currently an offense under various state-specific Prevention of Begging Acts
About National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation
The NBCFDC is a Government of India Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Established on January 13, 1992, it aims to promote economic activities and development for the benefit of backward classes and assist economically disadvantaged sections through skill development and self-employment ventures.
About National Institute of Social Defence
The NISD is a registered autonomous body which serves as an advisory body for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It functions as a central training and research body in social defense. The institute focuses on human resource development in areas such as drug abuse prevention, senior citizen welfare, beggar prevention, transgender issues, and other social defense challenges. It provides inputs for the government’s social defense programs through training, research, and documentation.
