In a significant move towards creating a “Bhiksha Vriti Mukt Bharat” (Beggary-Free India), the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has identified 30 cities of religious, historical, and tourism significance for a comprehensive survey and rehabilitation program. From Ayodhya in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south, the initiative, conducted under the sub-scheme of ‘Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises’ (SMILE), aims to make these cities free of beggars by 2026.
To achieve this goal, a national portal and mobile app will be launched by mid-February to facilitate real-time data updating on individuals engaged in begging. The selected cities, including religious sites like Ayodhya and Bodhgaya, tourist destinations like Thiruvananthapuram and Puducherry, and historical cities like Udaipur and Shimla, will follow uniform guidelines for survey and rehabilitation.
The initiative involves collaboration between city administrations and religious trusts or shrine boards in religious locations. Progress reports on providing shelters, skills, education, and rehabilitation will be updated on the mobile app and portal.
Of the 30 cities, action plans have been received from 25, with Kangra, Cuttack, Udaipur, and Kushinagar awaiting consent. Sanchi authorities have reported no persons engaged in begging, suggesting the consideration of an alternative city. Meanwhile, Kozhikode, Vijayawada, Madurai, and Mysuru have already completed their surveys.
The Ministry, following a uniform survey pattern, releases funds based on action plans, encompassing survey, mobilization, rescue, relocation to shelters, and comprehensive rehabilitation for mainstream reintegration.
