The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is stepping up efforts to eliminate begging from city streets by launching the SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme. This centrally sponsored initiative, introduced in 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is focused on giving beggars a second chance at life — one with dignity, stability, and opportunity.
What Is the SMILE Scheme?
SMILE is a national-level program that goes beyond just removing beggars from public spaces. It aims to rehabilitate them through a mix of:
- Shelter homes with essential facilities
- Skill development and training
- Livelihood support so they can earn and live independently
- Social reintegration, helping them feel included in society once again
In simple terms, it’s a mission to empower the most vulnerable through compassion, skills, and structure.
BMC’s Plan for Bhubaneswar: Focused, Funded, and Collaborative
Rs 30 Lakh for Phase 1
BMC is launching the first phase of the SMILE scheme in Bhubaneswar with a dedicated budget of ₹30 lakh. Here’s what this phase will include:
- A 50-bed shelter home where rescued individuals can live safely
- Partnerships with NGOs who will help implement the plan on the ground
- Hiring of a dedicated agency to carry out rescue operations and fresh surveys
This agency will be responsible for:
- Identifying and locating beggars across the city
- Ensuring humane rescue
- Conducting counseling and health checkups
- Enrolling individuals into vocational and skill-building programs
Beyond Bhubaneswar: The Scheme Expands
The SMILE scheme isn’t stopping at the state capital. Phase Two is set to cover other key cities in Odisha — Puri, Cuttack, and Jajpur — although the exact strategies and budgets for these cities are still under planning.
The Bigger Picture in Odisha
Recent data presented in the Odisha Legislative Assembly highlights the growing concern:
- Total registered beggars in Odisha: 5,284
- Cuttack has the highest number (1,060), followed by Puri (350)
These numbers show how deep-rooted the issue is — and why a structured and sustainable intervention like SMILE is the need of the hour.
Learning from the Past: SAHAYA’s Limited Impact
This isn’t the first time Odisha has tried to tackle begging. In 2023, BMC launched a similar initiative under the SAHAYA scheme, but it failed to achieve long-term success. Reasons cited included:
- Lack of coordination between agencies
- No follow-up or post-rehabilitation support
- Inadequate shelter capacity
Officials now believe that SMILE’s integrated model — which combines data-driven surveys, structured rehabilitation, NGO participation, and skill training — can produce better, lasting results.
Tourist Spots to Go Beggar-Free: Vision for the Future
One of the key objectives under SMILE is to make iconic tourist areas beggar-free, starting with:
- Niladri Nilaya in Puri
- Ekamra Nilaya in Bhubaneswar
This not only enhances the visitor experience but also reflects Odisha’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.
SMILE is more than just a government program — it’s a lifeline for thousands who have fallen through the cracks of society. With focused implementation, community involvement, and continuous support, this initiative can transform not just individual lives but also the social fabric of Odisha’s urban centers.
