SMILE Scheme For Rehabilitation Of Persons Engaged In Begging

Source: PIB
GS II: Governance, Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections, Social Justice, Government Policies and Interventions.

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. SMILE Scheme
3. Significance of the Scheme
4. Key Challenges in Implementation

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced that the SMILE Beggary Scheme is operational in 216 cities across India.

News in Brief

• More than 10,200 persons engaged in begging have been rehabilitated so far.
• The scheme aims to cover 295 cities and rehabilitate 35,000 persons by FY 2030–31.
• The government has strengthened monitoring through the SMILE-Beggary National Portal.

SMILE Scheme

• The SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme is a central government initiative in India.
• Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• It focuses on the social and economic rehabilitation of the transgender community and individuals engaged in begging.

The umbrella scheme is divided into two major sub-schemes, covering several key initiatives,

• Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Transgender Persons
  • Shelter Homes- Funds “Garima Grehs” to provide safe, secure housing, food, and clothing to transgender individuals.
  • Education & Healthcare- Offers scholarships for transgender students (from Class IX to post-graduation) and up to ₹5 lakh in annual health coverage under Ayushman Bharat TG Plus (covering hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries).
  • Skill Development- Provides skill and livelihood training in convergence with schemes like PM-DAKSH to foster financial independence.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in Begging
  • Rescue & Rehabilitation- Aims for a “Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat” (Begging-Free India) by conducting surveys to rescue and rehabilitate people engaged in begging.
    • Provision of shelter, safe drinking water, nutritious food, clothing, and medical facilities to transform their living conditions.
  • Support Services- Provides medical facilities, counseling, education, and skill development to integrate individuals into mainstream society with dignity.
• The scheme adopts a convergence-based approach – The implementation is handled through State and UT Governments, District Administrations, and Urban Local Bodies.
• Metropolitan cities, religious centres, tourist destinations, and historical places are priority areas under the expanded implementation plan.

Significance of the Scheme

• Rights & Dignity– It aligns directly with Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing the right to life and dignity for society’s most vulnerable.
• SDG Alignment– Directly supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Targeted Support– Features provisions like Garima Grehs (shelter homes) and Ayushman Bharat TG Plus (for gender-affirming care and health coverage).
• Social Equity- Promotes justice and social inclusion by mainstreaming the most vulnerable populations.

Key Challenges in Implementation

• Social Stigma– Deep-rooted societal discrimination creates barriers to employment and community integration.
• Livelihood Hurdles– Translating short-term vocational training into stable, long-term employment remains difficult due to background gaps.
• Agency Coordination– Requires complex, multi-stakeholder collaboration between local urban bodies, state ministries, and NGOs.
• Ensuring Sustainable Rehabilitation– Ensuring individuals do not return to beggary requires sustained, lifelong follow-up support, which is resource-intensive.

Way Forward & Conclusion

India’s vision of a “Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat” can be achieved by strengthening rehabilitation through coordinated action among governments, urban local bodies, civil society, and communities.

Expanding skill development, livelihood opportunities, digital monitoring, and access to social security will enable the sustainable reintegration of persons engaged in begging, advancing the constitutional ideals of social justice, dignity, and inclusive development.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the SMILE Scheme:

1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
2. It includes a Central Sector Scheme for the rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging.
3. It is implemented exclusively by State Governments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Mains Practice Question

Q. “Discuss the significance of rehabilitation-based welfare policies in ensuring social justice and inclusive development for vulnerable and marginalized sections in India.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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