SMILE-75 Initiative

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has identified 75 Municipal Corporations to implement rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of begging under “SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise “named as “SMILE-75 Initiative”.

• The objective is to make our cities/town and municipal areas begging-free and make a strategy for comprehensive rehabilitation of the persons engaged in the act of begging through the coordinated action of various stakeholders.

Key Points: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment envisions to develop a support mechanism for holistic rehabilitation of those engaged in the act of begging, and build an India where no person is forced to beg in order to survive and fulfil their basic needs.

• Under it the Ministry acknowledged, the important role of Local Urban Bodies, Civil Society Organisations/Non-Government Organisations to address this persisting social issue with concerted efforts.
• The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has allocated a total budget of Rs.100 crore for the SMILE project for coming years till 2025-26.