Vadodara, Gir Somnath, Ektanagar and Pavagadh have been selected among the Centre’s top 25 locations under the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) initiative. The first phase aims to make these four places begging-free through rehabilitation and livelihood support.
Mona Khandhar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, chaired a meeting in Vadodara to review the implementation of the campaign and guide officials.
The initiative, being implemented under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on the rehabilitation and social integration of people engaged in begging. Those identified under the programme will be provided shelter, healthcare, essential documents and employment-oriented skill training to help them become self-reliant.
The rehabilitation programme will involve coordinated efforts by municipal corporations, district administrations, health departments, social security officials and employment officers. Officials will also help beneficiaries obtain documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards and Ayushman cards.
Khandhar said families involved in begging would initially be accommodated together at shelter homes, where they would also undergo health screenings. With the support of social and voluntary organisations, begging hotspots will be identified and people will be shifted to designated shelters.
Families will stay at the shelters for six months, during which they will receive skill training aimed at helping them secure sustainable employment and livelihoods.
During the meeting, Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar suggested that families should continue to stay together after being shifted to shelters. He also stressed the importance of regular follow-up after beneficiaries find employment to ensure they remain in their jobs.
Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu said begging hotspots in the city had already been identified. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation currently operates eight shelter homes and will work with the district administration to set up additional facilities if required.
Khandhar also reviewed the preparedness of the Panchmahal, Narmada and Gir Somnath administrations through an online meeting.
The meeting was attended by Collector Dr Anil Dhamelia, Narmada Collector Gangasinh, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Akshay Budania, Social Security Officer Bhagirathsinh Chudasama and other officials.