The Government of India has taken a significant step to address the long-standing issue of destitution and beggary with the introduction of the SMILE-75 Initiative. This comprehensive scheme, operating under the umbrella of SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise), aims to transform the lives of individuals engaged in begging. Let's delve into the details of this initiative and its objectives.
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Unveiling the SMILE-75 INITIATIVE
Purpose and Scope
The SMILE-75 INITIATIVE is a focused effort by the Indian government to rehabilitate individuals involved in begging. It takes inspiration from the spirit of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, a celebration of India's 75 years of independence. This initiative envisions a future where begging no longer exists, and those engaged in this act find opportunities for holistic development.
Collaboration for Change
To achieve its goals, the SMILE-75 Initiative relies on collaboration between Municipal Corporations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and various stakeholders. Together, they work to implement a range of welfare measures designed to uplift the lives of beggars. These measures encompass rehabilitation, medical support, counseling, awareness campaigns, education, skill development, economic linkages, and alignment with other government welfare programs.
Financial Commitment
Recognizing the significance of this initiative, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has allocated a total budget of Rs. 100 crore for the SMILE project until 2025-26. This financial commitment underscores the government's dedication to bringing about meaningful change in the lives of those engaged in begging.
A Holistic Approach
The central objective of the SMILE-75 INITIATIVE is to create a robust support mechanism for the comprehensive rehabilitation of beggars. Rather than addressing beggary in isolation, it takes a holistic approach, addressing the multiple facets of their lives to ensure a sustainable transformation.
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Implementing Ministry
The SMILE-75 INITIATIVE falls under the purview of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This ministry plays a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the initiative.
Components of the SMILE-75 INITIATIVE
The SMILE-75 INITIATIVE comprises a sub-scheme known as the Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging. This sub-scheme delineates the specific strategies and interventions aimed at eradicating beggary and uplifting the lives of beggars.
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Objectives of the Initiative
The SMILE-75 INITIATIVE is guided by several key objectives:
- Begging-Free Cities: It aspires to make cities, towns, and municipal areas free from the scourge of begging.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation: The initiative seeks to create a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy for individuals engaged in begging. This involves the collective efforts of various stakeholders.
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The State of Beggars in India
Census 2011 Insights
According to the 2011 Census of India, the country had a total of 4,13,670 beggars, comprising 2,21,673 males and 1,91,997 females. This number represented an increase from the previous census, highlighting the persistence of the issue.
Regional Variations
- West Bengal: Topped the list with the highest number of beggars.
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Ranked second and third, respectively, in terms of the number of beggars.
- Lakshadweep: Reported only two vagrants according to the 2011 census.
Union Territories
- New Delhi: Registered the highest number of beggars among union territories, with 2,187 individuals engaged in begging.
- Chandigarh: Recorded 121 beggars.
Northeastern States
- Assam: Emerged as the state with the highest number of beggars in the northeastern region, with 22,116 individuals.
- Mizoram: Reported the lowest number of beggars, with only 53 individuals engaged in begging.
Conclusion
The SMILE-75 INITIATIVE is a commendable effort by the Indian government to transform the lives of those engaged in begging. By adopting a holistic approach and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, it aims to eliminate beggary and provide individuals with opportunities for rehabilitation and growth. As this initiative unfolds, it is crucial to monitor its progress and assess its impact on the lives of the marginalized individuals it seeks to empower.
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