Bhopal bans begging

7.Bhopal bans begging: The district collector issued an order prohibiting begging in all public places after Indore.

• Reason for the ban: Increasing issue of begging at traffic signals, religious sites, and tourist spots è Begging disrupts public movement, traffic, and involves individuals from other states, some with criminal records.
• Top 3 states with highest beggars: West Bengal tops the chart followed by Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (Census 2011).
• National Gov. Scheme: SMILE SCHEME.

• Objective of SMILE scheme: To provide welfare measures to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.

o Nodal Ministry: Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment.

o Implementation period: 2021-22 to 2025-26.

o Target Beneficiaries: Beggars and Transgenders.

o It includes two sub-schemes: Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons + Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of engaged in the act of Begging.