Pkl beggars to get a home, SMILE soon
The agency/NGO will identify the spots where beggars sit and the total number of beggars. It will also make suggestions about rehabilitation and other aspects related to it, and will be involved in the execution of the project from start to finish.
MC's joint commissioner Gaurav Chauhan said, "We are planning to implement the ministry of social justice and empowerment's project named SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) in Panchkula.
For this, we are studying the projects of the states where it has already been implemented. Following this, an agency will be engaged for the survey and comprehensive preparation."
He clarified that this project is meant only for beggars and not vagabonds scattered across the city. Chauhan said they are going to send a communication to DC Monika Gupta in this regard through MC chief RK Singh as the project will need the support of the govt.
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Under her, different wings like police, health, child welfare, NGOs, and others could be involved.
Under the SMILE project, there is the ministry's subscheme for the Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging, an umbrella programme, focusing solely on the rehabilitation of individuals engaged in begging, aiming to ensure their dignified reintegration into society.
As part of the scheme, the MC will begin a structured implementation plan that includes: Identification and survey of persons engaged in begging across key public areas, traffic intersections, and religious sites. Mobilisation and counselling to encourage participation in the scheme and transition into shelter facilities. Arrangement of shelter homes, providing basic necessities like food, clothing, healthcare, ID/document facilitation, and de-addiction services.
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