Delhi Minister call for joint efforts by govt., NGOs to end begging

Delhi Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Singh Indraj on Thursday said joint efforts of the government and social organisations are necessary to eradicate begging. He also held a review meeting at the Secretariat with the members of various social organisations working under the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme.

Mr. Indraj said the scheme is an important initiative of the Central government aimed at eliminating the social problem of begging and ensuring a dignified life for destitute individuals. He said with the support of social organisations, efforts are being made to make this campaign more effective.

The Minister also urged the NGOs to submit monthly reports of their work and regularly share details of rehabilitation cases and success stories. He said nodal officers from the government will periodically review these activities to ensure that the benefits reach the right persons. .

SMILE is a Central government scheme which includes various welfare measures for both transgender persons and persons engaged in begging with the focus extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, education, and skill development, among others.