The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has strengthened the rehabilitation framework for persons engaged in begging through the SMILE-Beggary Scheme, as disclosed by Minister Shri B.L. Verma in a written reply to Lok Sabha. Since the scheme's inception on 23 October 2023 until 31 July 2026, a total of ₹45.59 crore has been released, with ₹40.04 crore allocated to implementing authorities/cities and the balance used for administrative expenses.
As of 31 July 2026, the scheme has rehabilitated 10,446 persons, including 2,824 children and 7,622 adults. Children receive age-appropriate care, education, counselling, and family reintegration but are excluded from vocational training. Adult beneficiaries receive vocational training based on aptitude, age, physical and mental condition, and local opportunities, covering trades such as carpentry, tailoring, housekeeping, community toilet management, sanitation services, hair cutting, security services, cooking, gardening, and e-rickshaw operation.
The scheme facilitates formation of Self-Help Groups and links beneficiaries with banks and financial institutions for self-employment activities including tiffin stalls, food vending carts, vegetable vending carts, and group enterprises for spices, pickles, snacks, and papads preparation.
State-wise rehabilitation data shows Tamil Nadu leading with 1,557 adult beneficiaries, followed by Madhya Pradesh (1,135), Uttar Pradesh (884), Maharashtra (817), Assam (472), Andhra Pradesh (466), Jammu & Kashmir (434), and Kerala (418).
In compliance with Supreme Court directions in M.S. Patter vs. State of NCT of Delhi (Civil Appeal No. 12216 of 2025), the Ministry developed Model Guidelines for Beggars'/Shelter Homes through a National Consultative Committee including representatives from Ministries of Law & Justice, Health & Family Welfare, Housing and Urban Affairs, Women and Child Development, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, National Human Rights Commission, State/UT Governments, and NGOs. The guidelines were circulated to all States/UTs on 13 April 2026.
The Model Guidelines establish minimum standards for infrastructure, preventive healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, vocational training, legal aid, child and gender sensitivity, accountability, and monitoring. A dedicated mobile application facilitates identification, profiling, and rehabilitation surveys, while a Digital Monitoring System captures standardized information on admissions, health status, skill development, rehabilitation, release, follow-up, and family reunion. The National Online Portal serves as a central repository for real-time monitoring.
The guidelines mandate third-party infrastructure and social audits every two years covering structural safety, disability and age-friendliness, electrical systems, sanitation, water supply, and resident safety. District Social Welfare Officers monitor compliance and ensure rectification of deficiencies, with minimum space standards prescribed to prevent overcrowding.