Joint efforts needed to eliminate begging: Minister

Ravinder Indraj Singh, the Social Welfare Minister of Delhi, on Thursday said coordinated efforts between the government and social organisations are essential to address the problem of begging and ensure the rehabilitation of destitute individuals with dignity.

The minister made the remarks while chairing a review meeting with NGOs working under the SMILE Scheme (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) at the Delhi Secretariat.

The meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at identifying people engaged in begging, counselling them and connecting them with livelihood opportunities so that they can be integrated into the mainstream. Representatives of several organisations presented details of surveys conducted across different parts of Delhi and shared updates on rehabilitation efforts.

According to the NGOs, hundreds of individuals have been contacted in recent months and provided counselling to help them move away from begging. Several beneficiaries have been accommodated in shelter homes and assisted in accessing employment and self-employment opportunities.

During the meeting, it was also highlighted that beneficiaries are being linked with multiple government welfare schemes. These include assistance in obtaining Aadhaar cards, opening bank accounts, enrolling in insurance schemes, and registering street vendors with the municipal authorities. NGOs also said efforts are being made to help families obtain ration cards and ensure that children are enrolled in schools and anganwadi centres, while women are being provided skill development training.

Some organisations also shared success stories, describing how individuals previously engaged in begging were rehabilitated through counselling, skill training and employment support. Several beneficiaries are now reportedly earning a livelihood through small businesses or other forms of self-employment.

Addressing the meeting, Singh said the SMILE scheme is an important initiative aimed at eliminating the social problem of begging while ensuring that vulnerable individuals are able to live with dignity and self-reliance. He stressed that while the government is providing support and resources to NGOs, transparency and accountability in implementation must be ensured.

The minister said the government expects organisations to work with dedication so that assistance reaches those who genuinely need it. He also noted that the progress of the work will be regularly reviewed and that officials may conduct inspections whenever required.

Singh added begging is not only a social issue but also affects the image of the country, and therefore requires collective efforts from the government, civil society and the community.

He further said in the coming period special focus will be given to the rehabilitation of the transgender community to ensure they have access to better opportunities and a dignified life.