The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme to ensure the social and economic rehabilitation of vulnerable communities with dignity and sustainable livelihood opportunities. It said that the SMILE Scheme is strengthening the country’s commitment towards a Begging-Free India through comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging.

The Ministry noted the SMILE Beggary Scheme is currently operational in 216 cities across the country. It aims to expand its coverage to 295 cities by the financial year 2030-31, with a special focus on metropolitan cities as well as religious, tourist and historical places. More than 10,200 persons engaged in begging have been successfully rehabilitated under the scheme so far. The Ministry has set a target to rehabilitate 35,000 persons by the end of the financial year 2030-31 through a phased implementation plan. The Ministry added that implementation of the scheme has been strengthened through the SMILE-Beggary National Portal, which enables digital registration, monitoring and tracking of rehabilitation centres and shelter homes, ensuring greater transparency and effective implementation.