GUWAHATI: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has identified 30 cities across India including Guwahati with religious, historical, and tourism significance for a comprehensive survey and rehabilitation program, media reports stated.
As per reports, the project, operating under the sub-scheme 'Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises' (SMILE), seeks to make these cities, ranging from Ayodhya in the north to Guwahati in the east, Trimbakeshwar in the west, and Thiruvananthapuram in the south, free of beggary by 2026. The authorities plan to expand this list over the next two years.
To monitor progress, a national portal and mobile app will be reportedly launched by mid-February, facilitating real-time updates on individuals engaged in begging. The selected cities, including religious hubs like Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Guwahati, and tourist destinations like Vijayawada and Thiruvananthapuram, will focus on providing shelters, skills, education, and rehabilitation for beggars.
The involvement of religious trusts or shrine boards in the rehabilitation process is also mandated. Ten places of religious significance, including Pavagadh, Bodhgaya, and Kangra, will undergo special attention as part of the rehabilitation efforts.
Out of the 30 identified cities, action plans have been received from 25, with consent pending from Kangra, Cuttack, Udaipur, and Kushinagar. Notably, Sanchi has informed the ministry of an absence of beggars in the area, prompting consideration for a different city.
Several cities, including Kozhikode, Vijayawada, Madurai, and Mysuru, have completed their surveys. The ongoing surveys follow a uniform pattern, addressing basic information and probing into the reasons for begging and the individuals' aspirations for livelihood, reports stated.
The ministry, in support of implementing district and municipal authorities, releases funds based on the action plans. The roadmap encompasses survey, mobilization, rescue, relocation to shelters, and comprehensive rehabilitation, aiming for the reintegration of individuals into mainstream society.