About three years ago, in 2023, a survey in the Madurai city revealed that there were 1,212 beggars and destitute persons.

With the objective of making the ancient city - Madurai - free from beggary in any form by 2030, the Madurai Corporation launched the SMILE (support for marginalised individuals for livelihood and enterprise) scheme by roping in multiple stakeholders.

This transformative initiative, which seeks to restore human dignity, enhance livelihood opportunities and ensure sustainable social inclusion, has fetched results.

A recent survey showed a 40 % reduction taking the total number of beggars at 864 in the city.

According to a press release from Rojavanam, Madurai figured as a leading city among the 25 cities selected for implementation of the SMILE programme.

As part of the programme, vulnerable individuals living without support and engaged in begging were identified, rescued and provided with comprehensive rehabilitation services.

Individual counselling forms a vital component of this process, helping beneficiaries overcome emotional distress, regain self-confidence and prepare for a dignified future.

A significant milestone in this mission was achieved a few days ago, on June 16 when a successful reintegration programme was conducted.

After a 70-year-old woman A Dhanapakiam, a resident of Melatheru, Maranadu, was rescued by the Kaval Karangal, a team of Madurai City Police, from the Mattuthavani integrated bus stand, she was admitted to the Rojavanam Uthangudi SMILE Shelter Home.

After giving care, providing food and counselling, she was successfully re-united with her family in the presence of Deputy Commissioner of Police Divya and other officers.

According to the release, a total of 474 people have been rehabilitated so far, while 146 beneficiaries were residing in four shelter homes. Many rehabilitated individuals have also secured jobs and established sustainable self-employment ventures, enabling them to lead independent and dignified lives.

The residents of Madurai are welcome to support the initiative by identifying destitute persons engaged in begging to the SMILE Homes in Uthangudi, Shenoy Nagar, Keerathurai and Simmakkal respectively.

Inspector (Anti-Human Trafficiking Unit) Indrani, Rojavanam Uthangudi shelter home manager Raman, SMILE area programme coordinator Joe Benjamin and other officials participated in the function, the release said.