Kakinada Officials Study Madurai's SMILE Project to Eradicate Begging
A high-level delegation of officials from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, conducted an intensive two-day visit to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, starting Saturday. The primary objective was to thoroughly study and evaluate the implementation of the innovative SMILE project, which aims to comprehensively eradicate begging in the city.
Delegation Composition and Site Inspections
The visiting team included prominent figures such as G Lakshmi, the secretary of Kakinada Municipal Corporation, along with K Sailaja, the town planning officer, superintendent K Sathish Babu, mission manager K Venkat Raju, and other key personnel. During their visit, the delegation meticulously inspected the SMILE rehabilitation homes and engaged in meaningful interactions with the current inmates to gain firsthand insights into the program's operations.
High-Risk Program with Commendable Execution
G Lakshmi emphasized the challenging nature of the initiative, stating, "The programme is inherently high-risk and challenging. However, Madurai corporation, in partnership with Rojavanam Trust, demonstrated commendable commitment and execution. The visit gave us renewed hope and confidence, and we are determined to successfully implement a similar programme in Kakinada." This statement underscores the delegation's positive assessment and their resolve to replicate the model in their own municipality.
Comprehensive Field Visits and Rehabilitation Success
The officials extended their evaluation beyond shelter homes by visiting 32 identified begging hotspots scattered across Madurai. They met with numerous beneficiaries who have been successfully resettled and reintegrated into mainstream society, now holding steady jobs. From 2023 to 2025, the project has achieved significant milestones, rehabilitating more than 500 individuals. The city currently operates four dedicated shelter homes, each with a capacity to accommodate 50 people, providing crucial temporary housing and support services.
Addressing Overlapping Vulnerabilities
R Arul Kannan, director of Rojavanam Trust, highlighted the complex underlying issues, explaining, "People forced into begging are rarely victims of a single circumstance. They are often trapped in poverty, homelessness, social stigma, mental illness, physical disabilities, and long-term exclusion from mainstream society. These overlapping vulnerabilities perpetuate a cycle of deprivation." This perspective informed the project's holistic approach, which includes weekly round-the-clock campaigns supported by the police department, regular monitoring of hotspots, health services, skill-based training, and job placement assistance.
Data-Driven Planning and Measurable Outcomes
The Kakinada officials meticulously recorded detailed feedback and assessments from both the trust and the beneficiaries. Lakshmi noted, "A critical component of the project is the annual citywide identification and enumeration exercise, which ensures data-driven planning and targeted interventions." This systematic approach has yielded tangible results, as confirmed by Abishek J, nodal officer of the SMILE scheme, who reported, "Madurai corporation is making sustained and determined efforts to ensure the success of the initiative. This led to nearly 90% reduction in the beggar population at Mattuthavani bus stand. Continuous efforts are underway to map remaining hotspots and declare them beggar-free spots."
The visit concluded with the Kakinada delegation expressing strong optimism and a clear action plan to adapt and implement the successful strategies observed in Madurai, aiming to address begging through rehabilitation and social integration in their own city.
