The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of India recently introduced a scheme called “SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.” This scheme was developed as part of an innovative solution to merge existing programs for beggars and transgenders. The primary aim of SMILE is the comprehensive rehabilitation of individuals who are engaged in begging.
Utilising Existing Resources and Infrastructure
The scheme plans to utilize the currently available shelter homes managed by the state/UT governments and local urban bodies. These shelter homes will serve as rehabilitation centers for individuals involved in begging. In cases where these existing facilities are insufficient, the implementing agencies will establish new dedicated shelter homes.
Extensive Focus on Rehabilitation
The SMILE scheme places significant emphasis on providing comprehensive services such as medical care, counselling, basic documentation, education, and skill development. Furthermore, the program will facilitate economic links to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities. It is estimated that the scheme will benefit approximately 60,000 of India’s poorest citizens, helping them lead a life of dignity.
Collaborative Implementation Strategy
The implementation of the scheme involves the collective efforts of State/UT Governments, Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), other institutions, and the community at large. Successful integration will require widespread cooperation and resource sharing.
The Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Beggars
As a subscheme of SMILE, the ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in Begging’ focuses on individuals involved in begging. The scheme is being piloted in select cities with high concentrations of the begging community. In 2019-20, the Ministry released funds to the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) and the National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC) to facilitate skill development programs for beggars.
Status of Beggars in India
According to the 2011 Census, there are 413,670 beggars in India, including 221,673 males and 191,997 females. This population has seen an increase from the previous census. The states topping the chart of highest begging population include West Bengal, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, while Lakshadweep reports a meager number of two vagrants. Of the Union Territories, Delhi had the highest number of beggars.
NBCFDC: Government’s Initiative for Backward Classes
The National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC) is an endeavor of the Indian Government to promote economic activities and development for the benefit of backward classes. Primarily, it aims to assist the poorer sections of these classes in skill development and self-employment ventures.
The Role of NISD
As an autonomous body, the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) serves as a central advisory entity for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The institute provides training and conducts research in the field of social defence. It focuses on human resource development in areas like drug abuse prevention, welfare of senior citizens, prevention of begging, transgender issues, and other social defence matters.