Delhi Joint Efforts Essential to Eradicate the Problem of Begging: Minister
Delhi’s Minister of Social Welfare, Ravinder Inderjit Singh, stated on Thursday that coordinated efforts between the government and social organizations are essential to resolve the issue of begging and to ensure the dignified rehabilitation of destitute individuals.
The Minister made these remarks while presiding over a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat with NGOs working under the SMILE scheme (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise).
The meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at identifying individuals engaged in begging, providing them with counseling, and connecting them with livelihood opportunities to facilitate their integration into the social mainstream. Representatives from various organizations presented details of surveys conducted across different parts of Delhi and provided updates on rehabilitation efforts.
According to the NGOs, hundreds of individuals have been reached out to in recent months and provided with counseling to assist them in moving away from begging. Many beneficiaries have been accommodated in shelter homes and assisted in securing opportunities for employment and self-employment.
During the meeting, it was also highlighted that beneficiaries are being linked to various government welfare schemes. These efforts include assisting them in obtaining Aadhaar cards, opening bank accounts, enrolling in insurance schemes, and registering as street vendors with municipal authorities. The NGOs further noted that efforts are underway to help families obtain ration cards and to ensure the enrollment of children in schools and Anganwadi centers, while women are being provided with skill development training. Some organizations also shared success stories, illustrating how individuals previously engaged in begging were successfully rehabilitated through counseling, skill training, and employment assistance. It was reported that many beneficiaries are now earning their livelihood through small businesses or other forms of self-employment. Addressing the meeting, Singh stated that the SMILE scheme is a significant initiative aimed at eradicating the social problem of begging, while simultaneously ensuring that vulnerable individuals can live with dignity and self-reliance. He emphasized that while the government is providing assistance and resources to NGOs, transparency and accountability must be ensured in the implementation of the scheme.
The Minister stated that the government expects these organizations to work with utmost dedication so that assistance reaches those who truly need it. He further added that the progress of the work would be reviewed regularly, and officials could conduct inspections at any time, should the need arise.
Singh further remarked that begging is not merely a social issue but also impacts the country’s image; therefore, addressing it requires the collective efforts of the government, civil society, and the community. He added that, in the times to come, special attention would be paid to the rehabilitation of the transgender community to ensure that they have access to better opportunities and a life of dignity.
