New Delhi: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is expanding its Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme, aiming to rehabilitate 35,000 persons engaged in begging by the financial year 2030-31.
A senior ministry official said the SMILE Beggary Scheme is currently being implemented in 216 cities across the country and will be extended to 295 cities over the next five years. The scheme will primarily focus on metropolitan cities as well as major religious, tourist, and historical destinations.
According to the official, more than 10,200 persons engaged in begging have already been rehabilitated, with the remaining target to be achieved in phases by 2030-31 under the approved implementation plan.
The scheme provides comprehensive rehabilitation through skill development, education, healthcare, counselling, and livelihood support, enabling beneficiaries to reintegrate into society with dignity and financial independence.
The ministry said the initiative is part of its vision of creating a “Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat” (Begging-Free India) through coordinated efforts involving the Centre, states, Union Territories, district administrations, urban local bodies, municipal corporations, and implementing agencies.
To improve implementation and transparency, the ministry has also introduced the SMILE-Beggary National Portal, a digital platform for registering, monitoring, and tracking rehabilitation centres and shelter homes across the country.
The ministry said it will continue to strengthen awareness campaigns, institutional support, and community participation to ensure the long-term social and economic empowerment of rehabilitated individuals.
