SMILE Scheme helps hundreds of beggars turn street vendors in Delhi

More than 400 people engaged in begging in the national capital have been rehabilitated over the last one-and-a-half years under the SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme , an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment , aimed at reducing panhandling and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill training and social security support.

Officials said nearly 4,000 individuals involved in begging were identified across Delhi, of whom about 21 per cent were senior citizens . With support from non-governmental organisations, beneficiaries were shifted to eight selected rain bases operated by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board , where they underwent medical check-ups, grooming and counselling .

“Most of them had turned to begging due to poverty, old age or separation from families . Many were migrants from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh,” an official said, adding that a majority were above 35 years of age .

Skill training focused on practical, income-generating work suited to their age and condition. Most beneficiaries were trained as street vendors selling fruits and vegetables, while others received instruction in cooking, domestic work and basic painting jobs.

Several rehabilitated individuals were settled in areas such as Dwarka and Najafgarh and registered as street vendors with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi . Officials said registration helped protect them from harassment and enabled access to welfare and financial assistance schemes , including Atal Pension Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana , depending on eligibility.

Many beneficiaries also availed loans under the PM SVANidhi scheme to start small vending businesses. “This financial support played a crucial role in helping them become self-reliant ,” an official said.

Health concerns were common among elderly beneficiaries. Dr Shardha of the NGO Sant Ravidas Society said many suffered from diabetes and cataract due to poor diet and lack of medical treatment. To ensure dignity and recognition , beneficiaries were issued identity cards and provided stalls displaying boards of the Social Welfare Department , with support from local authorities.

The scheme is being implemented in nine areas of Delhi , including Karol Bagh, Dwarka, Rohini, Shahdara and Old Delhi , following a structured process of identification, shelter, training and reintegration . Officials said the aim was not merely to stop begging, but to restore dignity and create long-term livelihood opportunities .