Delhi Government Trains Over 400 Beggars as Street Vendors Under SMILE Scheme

The Delhi government has rehabilitated over 400 beggars through the SMILE scheme, training them primarily as street vendors and linking them to welfare programs. NGOs identified nearly 4,000 beggars citywide, many elderly and migrants from various states. Beneficiaries received medical care, counselling, and registration with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, enabling access to social security schemes and financial support like PM SVANidhi loans to establish livelihoods and reduce panhandling.