The ministry of social justice and empowerment is aiming to support district and municipal authorities in identifying ‘hotspots’ in these cities and making them free of beggars by 2026. More cities are likely to be added to this list over these two years, officials said.
This outreach in 30 cities with places of significance (in religious, historical or tourism perspective) is being implemented under a sub-scheme of ‘Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises’ (SMILE). To ensure monitoring as per the uniform survey and rehab guidelines to deliver on the goal of ‘Bhiksha-Vritti Mukt Bharat’ (beggary-free India), the ministry will launch a national portal and a mobile app by mid-Feb for real time updation of data on those identified to be engaged in begging.
Out of 30 cities, an action plan has been received from 25 and consent is awaited from Kangra, Cuttack, Udaipur, and Kushinagar.
Interestingly, authorities in Sanchi have informed the ministry that there are no persons engaged in begging in the area so a different city may be considered. Meanwhile, Kozhikode, Vijayawada, Madurai and Mysuru have already completed their survey.
The ministry releases funds to the implementing district and municipal authorities based on the action plan. The roadmap includes survey, mobilisation, rescue and relocation to a shelter & comprehensive rehabilitation through education, skill development and employment for re-integration with the mainstream.
