The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has set a goal to eradicate begging in various cities by the year 2026, focusing on regions of cultural, historical, or tourist importance. Operating under the sub-scheme ‘Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises’ (SMILE), this outreach initiative collaborates with district and municipal authorities to identify and convert designated ‘hotspots’ into areas free from beggary.
The government has identified 30 cities across the country for a comprehensive survey and rehabilitation program targeting adults, especially women and children, involved in begging. The aim is to eliminate beggars in cities by 2026 with a specific focus on areas of religious, historical, or tourism significance. Implemented under the sub-scheme SMILE, the outreach program will collaborate with local authorities to transform these ‘hotspots’ into beggar-free zones. Additional cities may be included in the initiative over the next two years, according to officials.
To ensure a standardized approach in line with uniform survey and rehabilitation guidelines and to achieve the goal of a ‘Bhiksha-Vritti Mukt Bharat’ (beggary-free India), the ministry plans to launch a national portal and a mobile app by mid-February. These tools will provide real-time data updates on individuals engaged in begging. Currently, action plans have been received from 25 cities, while consent is pending for Kangra, Cuttack, Udaipur, and Kushinagar.
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City-wise progress and challenges
Regarding city-wise progress and challenges, Sanchi authorities have reported no individuals engaged in begging in their area, suggesting consideration of a different city for the initiative. On the other hand, Kozhikode, Vijayawada, Madurai, and Mysuru have already completed their surveys. Funds are released to implementing authorities based on their action plans, which encompass surveying, mobilization, rescue, relocation to shelters, and comprehensive rehabilitation. The rehabilitation process includes education, skill development, and employment opportunities to facilitate the reintegration of individuals into mainstream society.
Beggar population snapshot
According to Minister of State for Social Justice, Vijay Sampla, India has over 400,000 beggars, with West Bengal topping the list at 81,000. The nationwide count comprises 2.2 lakh males and 1.91 lakh females. West Bengal leads with 81,244 beggars, followed by Uttar Pradesh (65,835), Andhra Pradesh (30,218), Bihar (29,723), and Madhya Pradesh (28,695). Notably, in Assam, Manipur, and West Bengal, female beggars outnumber males. Union Territories have the lowest numbers, with Lakshadweep having only two followed by Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 19, 22, and 56 beggars, respectively, according to government records.
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