What happened: SMILE strengthens rehabilitation and social inclusion with reported beneficiary activity
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) as an Umbrella Central Sector Scheme aimed at comprehensive rehabilitation and socio-economic empowerment of marginalised individuals. SMILE uses a convergence-based approach across government and non-government stakeholders so rehabilitation support continues beyond immediate help and supports reintegration into mainstream society.
SMILE-BEGGARY: Comprehensive rehabilitation for persons engaged in begging
SMILE includes a sub-scheme for comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of begging (SMILE-BEGGARY). The Ministry lists rehabilitation services such as medical facilities, counselling, education, skill development, and livelihood opportunities.
The Government reports nationwide identification, mobilisation, and rehabilitation activity under SMILE-BEGGARY. The official SMILE-BEGGARY portal reports 42,589 persons identified/surveyed and 12,710 persons rehabilitated.
The official SMILE-BEGGARY portal states that the SMILE-BEGGARY sub-scheme was launched on 12 February 2022 with an objective of making India a “BhikshaVrittiMukt Bharat” through comprehensive rehabilitation and coordinated action.