Punjab’s SMILE Scheme has rehabilitated 32 beggars, while surveys expand across Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar to promote dignity and self-reliance.
The Punjab government has stepped up its efforts to rehabilitate people engaged in begging, with 32 individuals already receiving support under the SMILE Scheme, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Thursday.
The SMILE Scheme, which stands for Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise, is aimed at helping vulnerable people move towards a more secure, independent and dignified life through rehabilitation and livelihood opportunities.
422 People Identified in Amritsar
According to Dr Baljit Kaur, a survey conducted in Amritsar since March 2026 has identified 422 people engaged in begging. Of these, 32 individuals have so far been successfully rehabilitated through different government interventions.
The support provided under the SMILE Scheme has included family reunification, social security benefits, identity documentation, shelter and employment assistance. Eight people were reunited with their families, while two were connected with old-age pension benefits.
Four individuals were assisted in obtaining Aadhaar cards, one received support through the Ashirwad Scheme and four were shifted to old-age homes. Another 13 people were connected with employment and livelihood opportunities. In addition, 54 individuals received counselling support.
Rehabilitation Efforts Expand Across Punjab
Dr Baljit Kaur said the SMILE Scheme is currently being implemented in Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar as part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of creating a more inclusive and compassionate Punjab.
The survey in Patiala has already identified 168 people engaged in begging, with rehabilitation measures being undertaken to provide them with appropriate support. Survey operations in Ludhiana and Jalandhar are scheduled to begin in the second week of September.
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Focus on Dignity and Self-Reliance
The Minister clarified that the objective of the SMILE Scheme is not simply to remove begging from the streets. Instead, the government is focusing on addressing the underlying social and economic vulnerabilities faced by people engaged in begging.
Under the initiative, eligible individuals can be connected with social security schemes, healthcare, counselling, skill development, education, employment and self-employment opportunities. The aim is to help beneficiaries regain dignity while becoming financially and socially independent.
Multiple Departments Working Together
The identification and rehabilitation process is being conducted in coordination with district administrations and various government departments. Individuals requiring urgent assistance are moved to safe locations, where they can receive counselling, medical attention and other essential services.
Wherever families can be traced, efforts are made to reunite individuals with their relatives. Those without suitable family support are connected with appropriate rehabilitation facilities.
The SMILE Scheme is being implemented through coordination among district administrations, Municipal Corporations, local government bodies, the Police Department, Health Department, skill development agencies and other concerned stakeholders.
Appeal to Citizens
Dr Baljit Kaur also appealed to citizens to avoid encouraging street begging by giving cash directly to individuals. Instead, she urged people to help vulnerable persons access government welfare and rehabilitation services.
She said collective participation from citizens and government agencies is necessary to build a begging-free, self-reliant and dignified Punjab. The SMILE Scheme is being positioned as an important step towards ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive opportunities to rebuild their lives with greater security, dignity and independence.
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