SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application
Why in News?
The SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) during a three-day Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh (April 24–26, 2026).
About
- The app is a core component of the SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).
- Target Groups: Transgender persons and persons engaged in the act of begging.
- Financial Outlay: ₹390 crore allocated for the period 2021–2026.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Focuses on a three-stage process: Identification/Rescue, Rehabilitation (shelter, medical, counselling), and Reintegration (skill development).
- SMILE-75 Initiative: A subset of the scheme focusing on 75 Municipal Corporations to make them beggary-free.
Key Features
- Real-Time Data Collection: Field officials can capture survey data digitally on the spot, including demographics and health status.
- Detailed Profiling: Captures critical info like disability status, family background, and the root causes of vulnerability.
- Hotspot Identification: Helps municipal authorities map "begging hotspots" in cities to target interventions effectively.
- Performance Tracking: Allows district authorities to track the "reintegration rate" of individuals into mainstream society.
- Digital Transparency: Replaces fragmented reporting with a centralized national database to ensure accountability.
Objectives of the Initiative
- Eradicate Dependency: Shift individuals from street begging to self-employment via vocational training.
- Holistic Care: Provide access to healthcare through schemes like PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) and education for children.
- National Standards: Implement uniform guidelines for shelter homes, ensuring they are humane rather than "prison-like".
- Evidence-Based Policy: Use the app's data analytics to allocate budgets and resources based on actual, live numbers in cities.
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