UPSC Articles
SMILE Scheme
Part of: GS Prelims and GS II – Policies and interventions
In news Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme “SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”.
- It includes a subscheme – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in Begging’.
About the Scheme:
- It is a new Scheme after the merger of existing Schemes for Beggars and Transgenders.
- Scheme provides for the use of the existing shelter homes available with the State/UT Governments and Urban local bodies for rehabilitation of the persons engaged in the act of Begging.
- In case of non-availability of existing shelter homes, new dedicated shelter homes are to be set up by the implementing agencies.
- It is estimated that an approximate 60,000 poorest persons would be benefited under this scheme for leading a life of dignity
- Focus: Rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, education, skill development, economic linkages and so on.
- Implementation: It will be implemented with the support of State/UT Governments/Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations.
What is the Status of Beggars In India?
- According to the Census 2011 , total number of beggars in India is 4,13,670 and the number has increased from the last census.
- Top States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
- Top UTs: New Delhi and Chandigarh.
- Recently, the Supreme Court has agreed to examine a plea for decriminalising begging which has been made an offence in various states under Prevention of Begging Act.
News Source: PIB
