Consider the following statements:

I. For comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging in 75 identified municipalities the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry launched the ‘SMILE-75’ initiative.

II. It is part of an Ongoing “SMILE Project”.

III. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment formulated the scheme “SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise” On February 12, 2022.

Which of the statement/statements is/are correct?

Solution

The Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry launched the ‘SMILE-75’ initiative for comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging in 75 identified municipalities as a part of the celebrations of 75 years of Independence. The initiative is part of the Social Justice Ministry’s ongoing SMILE project (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) for which ₹100 crore has been allocated till 2025-2026. The SMILE-75 initiative will cover several comprehensive welfare measures for persons who are engaged in the act of begging with focus extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, awareness, education, skill development, economic linkages and convergence with other government welfare programmes etc. About SMILE Project On February 12, 2022 ,The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment formulated a scheme “SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise” after the merger of existing Schemes for Beggars and Transgenders. Scheme provides for the use of the existing shelter homes available with the State/UT Governments and Urban local bodies for rehabilitation of the persons engaged in the act of Begging. A total budget of Rs 365 crore has been allocated for the scheme for the duration of 2021-22 to 2025-26. About Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Officeholders : Virendra Kumar (Union Minister)