Mizoram launches SMILE Project to address begging and provide livelihood opportunities
Mizoram’s Social Welfare and Tribal Affairs Minister, Pi Lalrinpuii, announced that the state government is actively working to curb the issue of begging by both preventing the entry of beggars from outside and supporting those already in the state through sustainable livelihood programs. Speaking at the official launch of the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) project in Aizawl District, Pi Lalrinpuii said the government is implementing various initiatives aimed at rehabilitating people who beg due to poverty or other hardships. “We have introduced legislation to prohibit begging in the state, while also addressing the root causes by creating income-generating opportunities,” the minister stated.
The SMILE project is a central government initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2022, aimed at supporting individuals engaged in begging by integrating them into mainstream society through skills training, livelihood support, and access to welfare schemes.In Mizoram, the project will be carried out in Aizawl District. Aizawl Deputy Commissioner’s Office and the Planning & Implementation Department will serve as the implementing authorities. Non-governmental organization Mission Foundation Movement (MFM) will execute project activities on the ground.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Aizawl DC Office and MFM as part of the project rollout. The initiative focuses on equipping beneficiaries with vocational skills, linking them to employment opportunities, and ensuring access to relevant state and central welfare schemes.
