Assam: Beggar-Free Guwahati Initiative Faces Challenges

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: As the Assam government approaches its self-imposed 2025 deadline to make Guwahati a beggar-free city, scepticism grows among residents and social welfare experts about the feasibility of achieving such an ambitious goal.

While the initiative reflects a vision for urban development and aligns with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises) scheme, critical gaps in infrastructure and execution pose significant hurdles. The SMILE scheme, launched to eradicate beggary in 30 cities across India by 2026, has been adopted by Assam’s Social Welfare Department with a tighter timeline for Guwahati. However, officials admit that persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and overcrowded rehabilitation centres, have hindered progress. “Despite rescue operations, many beggars escape from shelters and return to the streets,” a senior official from the Social Welfare Department told The Sentinel. “Our existing facilities are overcrowded and understaffed. We’re working on constructing more rehabilitation centres, but we need greater resources and support to create sustainable solutions.”

Currently, the city lacks sufficient rehabilitation and vocational training centres to reintegrate the homeless population into mainstream society. Experts argue that without addressing the root causes of poverty and homelessness—such as unemployment, mental health issues, and lack of education—the cycle of begging is unlikely to be broken. Citizens have expressed mixed opinions about the initiative. While some praise the government’s resolve to tackle urban poverty, others highlight the potential for human rights violations if individuals are forcibly removed from the streets without sustainable alternatives. With just days left until the 2025 deadline, questions loom large: Will additional infrastructure and resources be mobilized in time? How will the government address the social and economic factors driving individuals to beg? The Assam government’s determination to make Guwahati a beggar-free city is a step towards a progressive and inclusive society. However, its success hinges on adopting a holistic approach that combines compassion with effective policy implementation.

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