ACTION ON NHRC RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING BEGGARY REHABILITATION

ACTION ON NHRC RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING BEGGARY REHABILITATION

The Ministry has taken note of the recommendations issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in June, 2024 on the advisory for the Protection and Rehabilitation of Impoverished, Uneducated Children, Women, and Differently-abled Individuals engaged in begging.
 

The recommendations of the NHRC are in line with different provisions of the guidelines of SMILE-Beggary Scheme. As per the scheme guidelines, the District Authorities / Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) identify and map the high-density begging areas, especially targeting pilgrimage and religious places, historical and tourist places, major cities and towns and other public places. After rescuing the individuals found engaged in the act of begging, shelter homes facilitate registration and documentation (issuance of Aadhaar Card and Government Identity cards) along with opening of bank accounts. During rehabilitation, beneficiaries are provided shelter-home, health care, counselling, education, skill development / vocational training and linkage with existing Central / State Government welfare schemes.

The SMILE-Beggary scheme is being implemented as per the guidelines in partnership and coordination with State Governments / District Authorities / Urban Local Bodies and Voluntary Organisations (NGOs).

This information is given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri  B.L. Verma, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.