Bhubaneswar to become beggar-free as Centre’s SMILE scheme expands to include four Odisha cities

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to implement the central government’s SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme, launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Aimed at rehabilitating beggars, the program offers shelter, skill training, and livelihood support to help them reintegrate into society.

According to reports, BMC will spearhead the initiative, allocating Rs 30 lakh for its first phase, including a 50-bed shelter and partnerships with NGOs.

It is worth mentioning that Phase Two of the SMILE scheme has also been extended to Puri, Cuttack, and Jajpur, although specific plans for these cities have not been detailed yet.

Cities in Focus: Data and Priorities

The rollout of the scheme comes not long after data shared by the government in the state assembly stated that Odisha has 5,284 registered beggars, with Cuttack topping the list at 1,060, followed by Puri (350).

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Rehabilitation Strategy

Reports also added that BMC will hire an agency to conduct fresh surveys, rescue beggars, and provide vocational training. The process involves collaboration between government bodies, NGOs, and citizens. Further, skill development will focus on enabling sustainable livelihoods.

Road Ahead

The push aligns with Odisha’s goal to make tourist hubs like Puri’s Niladri Nilaya and Bhubaneswar’s Ekamra Nilaya beggar-free.

However, past campaigns, including BMC’s 2023 drive under the then-BJD government’s SAHAYA scheme, saw limited success.  However, officials stressed that SMILE’s structured approach of combining surveys, shelters, and training could deliver lasting results.