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Current Affairs

Government of India Strengthens SMILE-Beggary Rehabilitation Framework

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The Government of India launched the SMILE-Beggary scheme on 23 October 2023 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to comprehensively rehabilitate persons engaged in begging. The scheme, forming part of the broader SMILE initiative, aims at rescuing and reintegrating marginalized individuals through shelter, education, skill development, vocational training, and family reunification. As of 31 July 2026, ₹45.59 crore has been released to implement the scheme across 216 cities, rehabilitating 10,446 persons including 2,824 children. The scheme targets rehabilitating 35,000 individuals and expanding to 295 cities by 2030-31.

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Key Facts

  • Launch Date: 23 October 2023
  • Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
  • Budget and Funding: ₹45.59 crore released till 31 July 2026, with ₹40.04 crore allocated directly to implementing authorities across 216 cities
  • Beneficiaries to Date: 10,446 persons rehabilitated, including 7,622 adults and 2,824 children
  • Children’s Rehabilitation Details: 1,549 children reunited with families, 309 placed in Anganwadi Centres, 676 admitted to schools, 290 referred to Child Welfare Committees
  • Adult Skill Training: Vocational training in gardening, cooking, tailoring, and e-rickshaw operation
  • Future Targets: Rehabilitate 35,000 persons and expand scheme coverage to 295 cities by financial year 2030-31

Background & Context

Begging remains a significant socio-economic challenge in India, affecting marginalized adults and children. The SMILE scheme, originally launched in 2022 as an umbrella program for marginalized individuals, integrates a specialized sub-scheme launched in 2023 focusing exclusively on persons engaged in begging. This sub-scheme aims to eradicate begging through a comprehensive framework addressing rescue operations, shelter provision, education, skill development, vocational training, and family reunification. This strategy is aligned with the government's vision for a ‘Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat’ (Beggary-Free India).

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The SMILE-Beggary scheme exemplifies the Indian government's structured approach to social justice, rehabilitation, and empowerment for vulnerable populations. It is relevant for topics under government schemes, social welfare policies, rehabilitation frameworks, and marginalized groups. Understanding the scheme’s objectives, implementation details, beneficiary data, and target outcomes prepares candidates for questions related to social justice, ministry initiatives, and urban governance in competitive examinations.

Points to Remember

  • The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • SMILE stands for Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.
  • The beggary sub-scheme focuses on rescue, shelter, education, vocational training, and family reunification.
  • Children rescued are provided age-appropriate care and schooling, and are not sent for vocational training.
  • Adults receive vocational training in gardening, cooking, tailoring, and e-rickshaw driving.
  • ₹45.59 crore released for implementation as of 31 July 2026.
  • The scheme operates in 216 major cities and towns, with plans to expand to 295 cities by 2030-31.
  • The target is to rehabilitate 35,000 persons engaged in begging by 2031.
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