Launching of “Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE)” – Beggary Project
The launching of the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) – Beggary Project was held on 9th October 2025 at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) Auditorium, Secretariat Complex, Aizawl. The programme began at 11:00 a.m. and was compered by Ms. Zonuni Pachuau from ZONET. The event started with an introduction and welcome address by Pu Lalhriatpuia, Deputy Commissioner, Aizawl District, followed by a speech of the Project Report by Pu Lalramchuanzela, Executive Director, Mission Foundation Movement (MFM). A special song was presented by One in Christ, after which the project was officially inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Pi Lalrinpuii, Honourable Minister, Social Welfare Department, Government of Mizoram, who also delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the initiative in supporting marginalized individuals. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Pu Zoramsiama Hmar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Aizawl District.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, has introduced an umbrella Central Sector Scheme titled “Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE)”, with a sub-scheme focused on the Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging. This initiative aims to provide extensive welfare measures such as medical facilities, counselling, education, and skill development, adopting a convergence-based approach to ensure the sustainable rehabilitation and social reintegration of the target group. The scheme will be implemented nationwide with active participation from State Governments, District Administrations, and Municipal Corporations.
The primary objective of the SMILE Beggary Project is to achieve a “Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat” (Begging-Free India) through comprehensive rehabilitation efforts. The scheme has four major components: (1) Survey and Identification of persons engaged in begging; (2) Mobilization and Counselling to motivate identified individuals to move to shelter homes; (3) Rescue and Shelter Homes providing basic amenities such as hygiene, grooming, health check-ups, counselling, de-addiction, and rehabilitation services, along with food, clothing, and recreation; and (4) Comprehensive Resettlement through access to healthcare, education, skill development, and livelihood opportunities. The period of stay in the shelter homes will typically range between three to six months, depending on individual circumstances.
In Mizoram, the District Administration of Aizawl has appointed the Mission Foundation Movement (MFM) as the implementing agency for the SMILE Beggary Project. MFM will carry out and coordinate the implementation of this scheme across Aizawl District, in close collaboration with the concerned departments of the Government of Mizoram, Local Council and local NGO’s, ensuring that the vision of rehabilitation, dignity, and livelihood support for marginalized individuals becomes a reality.
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