The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced an expanded push for its SMILE-Beggary Scheme, with an ambitious target to make 100 Indian cities begging-free by 2031. The scheme, which helps people engaged in begging access rehabilitation, skills training and livelihood support, is currently running in 216 cities across 33 states and union territories. A national programme on October 14 in Delhi will bring together government officials, local bodies, civil society groups and beneficiaries to share implementation experiences and discuss how to accelerate progress toward this goal.
Key facts
- SMILE-Beggary Scheme operational in 216 cities across 33 states and union territories
- 45,073 persons identified under the scheme so far; 13,134 have received rehabilitation support
- Target: 100 begging-free cities by 2031
- Delhi is operational across all 14 districts and cities
- Delhi was among seven pilot cities selected in FY 2021-22
- Programme scheduled for October 14 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi
- Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar and Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta to attend
- Beneficiaries will receive skill-building and rehabilitation kits
What the SMILE scheme covers
Rather than simply removing people from streets, the scheme takes a comprehensive approach to address why people resort to begging. The interventions include identification and profiling of vulnerable persons, rescue operations, counselling services, shelter provision, healthcare access, education, vocational skill development, livelihood support and connection to social security schemes like pensions and health insurance.
Recent reforms to strengthen implementation
The Ministry has introduced several measures to improve outcomes. A mobile application now enables field workers to conduct comprehensive surveys and profile persons engaged in begging, with data fed into a digital monitoring portal. Model guidelines have been created to transform beggars’ homes into dignified rehabilitation centres in line with Supreme Court directions. Cities are now assessed using a Begging-Free City Framework with specific, measurable key performance indicators to track progress. The scheme also offers performance-based incentives to encourage cities to achieve measurable progress toward begging-free status.
Focus on convergence with social welfare
A key feature of the updated approach is linking beneficiaries with existing government social security and welfare schemes. This ensures rehabilitated persons gain access to entitlements and essential services they may otherwise miss. The scheme emphasises that sustainable rehabilitation requires coordinated effort from central and state governments, urban local bodies, district administrations, non-governmental organisations and community groups.
Delhi’s progress
Delhi was among the first seven cities selected for the SMILE scheme pilot in FY 2021-22. The scheme has since expanded to cover all 14 districts and cities of the National Capital. During the October 14 programme, a large number of beneficiaries already supported under the scheme will be recognised and given skill-building kits and rehabilitation support materials to help them transition toward self-reliance.
What this means for you
If you are engaged in begging or know someone who is, the scheme can provide a pathway to stable livelihood. Field workers under the scheme will identify eligible persons and offer counselling, shelter, healthcare, education and vocational training. Once trained, beneficiaries receive job support and livelihood assistance. The scheme also connects you to government pensions, health schemes and other social security programmes you may qualify for. Your city’s progress toward begging-free status will depend on how well the scheme is implemented locally, so monitoring through digital systems and performance incentives helps ensure quality service delivery.
What happens next
The October 14 programme in Delhi will showcase implementation experiences from across the country and discuss strategies to accelerate progress. For the period FY 2026-31, the government has committed to making 100 cities begging-free, supported by measurable indicators and digital tracking systems.