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Topics Covered: Schemes for the vulnerable sections of the society.
SMILE Scheme:
Context:
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated this scheme for Support for Marginalized Individuals.
About the scheme:
- “SMILE stands for Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”.
- Focus of the scheme is on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counseling, basic documentation, education, skill development, economic linkages etc.
- It includes sub scheme – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’.
- The scheme would be implemented with the support of State/UT Governments/Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) , institutions and others.
Beggars In India:
- According to the Census 2011 total number of beggars in India is 4,13,670 (including 2,21,673 males and 1,91,997 females) and the number has increased from the last census.
- West Bengal tops the chart followed by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at number two and three respectively. Lakshadweep merely has two vagrants according to the 2011 census.
- Among the union territories, New Delhi had the largest number of beggars 2,187 followed by 121 in Chandigarh.
- Among the northeastern states, Asam topped the chart with 22,116 beggars, while Mizoram ranked low with 53 beggars.
Insta Curious:
Read about The Persons in Destitution (Protection, Care and Rehabilitation) Model Bill, 2016 Read here
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Key Provisions of the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959.
- About Article 19(1)(a).
- Directives Principles of State Policy related key facts.
- Rights under Article 21.
Mains Link:
Discuss why begging should be decriminalised.
Sources: the Hindu.
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