The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme, which includes the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging. The scheme aims to achieve social and economic rehabilitation through dignity and sustainable livelihood opportunities, working toward the vision of a 'Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat' (Begging-Free India).
Currently operational in 216 cities across India, the scheme has successfully rehabilitated over 10,200 persons engaged in begging activities. The rehabilitation target has been set at 35,000 persons to be achieved by financial year 2030-31, with expansion planned to cover 295 cities over the next five years. The scheme specifically focuses on metropolitan cities, religious places, tourist destinations, and historical sites as per the approved Standing Finance Committee for FY 2026-31.
The implementation involves coordinated efforts between Central Government, State Governments, Union Territories, District Administrations, Urban Local Bodies, Municipal Corporations, and implementing agencies. The Ministry has strengthened digital monitoring through the SMILE-Beggary National Portal, which enables registration, monitoring, and tracking of rehabilitation centres and shelter homes for effective implementation and transparency. The scheme continues to be supported by revised operational guidelines and capacity-building initiatives for implementing agencies across States and Union Territories.
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