Bhubaneswar, Ap 24: In an effort to make Bhubaneswar a beggar-free city, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to roll out the SMILE scheme, Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise, a central government initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The scheme is designed to provide long-term rehabilitation to individuals engaged in begging by offering them shelter, care, and skill-based training aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
As part of the initiative, BMC will conduct a fresh city-wide survey to identify those in need of assistance. Once identified, rescue operations will be carried out, and the individuals will be accommodated in a newly established 50-bed shelter home. The city’s efforts will be supported by a network of NGOs, social activists, and officials to ensure a comprehensive and humane approach to rehabilitation.
This marks Bhubaneswar’s first phase of implementing the SMILE scheme. The initial phase comes with a budget allocation of Rs30 lakh and complements the city’s existing Sahaya scheme, which also focuses on social welfare and support for marginalized communities.
Bhubaneswar joins other Odisha cities like Puri, Cuttack, and Jajpur, which are also part of Phase 2 of the SMILE scheme rollout. According to BMC officials, nearly 1,700 beggars have already been identified within city limits. To support their reintegration into society, five 100-bed shelter homes are currently operational.
Officials emphasize that the initiative is not just about removing beggars from the streets but offering them a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. Through training programs and support services, the goal is to help individuals find meaningful work, reconnect with society, and live independently.
The BMC has invited support from the public and social organizations to contribute to the success of the scheme, aiming to create a model that can be replicated across other Indian cities.
With this move, Bhubaneswar takes a strong step toward inclusive urban development, aligning with national efforts to uplift marginalized populations and ensure no one is left behind.
