Government amended the 'SMILE' scheme, special strategy for the rehabilitation of beggars

The article has updated the government's flagship SMILE scheme to provide beggars with a life of dignity. Its budget for the year has been set at Rs 37 crore. Authorities have stated that the new SMILE scheme follows a rights-based rehabilitation model rather than a punitive framework. It aims to mainstream the vulnerable sections by giving them structured help.

The new SMILE (Assistance to Marginalized Persons for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme is based on four pillars. It includes survey and identification, contact and awareness, rescue and shelter, and holistic rehabilitation. Through these measures, an attempt will be made to provide long-term rehabilitation and social respect to the most marginalized groups of the country.

The scheme will be launched with emphasis on pilgrimage centres, religious places, historical sites, and tourist places throughout the country in association with the state administration and concerned organisations. According to the amended guidelines of the scheme, religious trusts and shrine boards will also be responsible for the implementation of the scheme at pilgrimage centres and religious sites.

The Centre has set aside Rs 100 crore for the scheme over three years, Rs 30 crore for 2023-24, Rs 33 crore for 2024-25, and Rs 37 crore for 2025-26. The funds will be released in three instalments: 30 per cent for survey and mobilisation, 50 per cent for shelter and rehabilitation, and 20 per cent based on verified progress and status of reintegration.

The government aims to rehabilitate 2,500 people in the first year, 6,000 in the second year, and 8,000 in the third year. Each shelter home has been allocated an annual budget of Rs 48.7 lakh to meet operational costs, including food, staffing, counselling, skill development, and awareness campaigns.

The municipal bodies and district administrations will conduct detailed surveys of the beneficiaries based on factors such as age, gender, legal status, and health conditions. The collected data will be uploaded to a national portal under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for real-time monitoring.