Government Strengthens Rehabilitation Framework for Persons Engaged in Begging Under SMILE-Beggary Scheme

Key Highlights:

• The Central Government has strengthened the rehabilitation framework for persons engaged in begging under the SMILE – Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging (SMILE-Beggary) Scheme.
• A total of ₹45.59 crore has been released under the scheme since its inception on October 23, 2023, until July 31, 2026.
• By July 31, 2026, the scheme had rehabilitated 10,446 persons, including 2,824 children and 7,622 adult beneficiaries.
• The scheme provides care, education, counselling, vocational training, and social reintegration services.
• Model Guidelines for Beggars’/Shelter Homes were developed and circulated to States/UTs on April 13, 2026, in compliance with Supreme Court directions.

Detailed Insights:

• The SMILE-Beggary Scheme aims to provide care, skill development, livelihood support, and social reintegration for marginalized individuals.
• Children rescued under the scheme receive age-appropriate care, education, counselling, and family reintegration.
• Adult beneficiaries are offered vocational training in various trades and facilitated in forming Self-Help Groups for self-employment.
• The Model Guidelines establish a comprehensive framework for humane, dignified, and rights-based rehabilitation, setting minimum standards for infrastructure, healthcare, and training.
• These guidelines were developed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment following directions from the Supreme Court in M.S. Patter vs. State of NCT of Delhi.
• A dedicated mobile application aids in identification and profiling, while a National Online Portal ensures real-time monitoring of scheme implementation.
• The Model Guidelines mandate two-yearly third-party infrastructure and social audits for Beggars’/Shelter Homes to ensure compliance and safety.

Key Concepts Involved:

• SMILE-Beggary Scheme: A central government initiative for the comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Small voluntary associations of people who come together for mutual help and collective action, often for economic empowerment.
• M.S. Patter vs. State of NCT of Delhi: A Supreme Court case whose directions led to the development of Model Guidelines for Beggars’/Shelter Homes.