SMILE Scheme

  • IASbaba
  • July 22, 2021
  • 0
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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”.

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

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