SMILE scheme: Homeless woman in Indore rehabilitated, now earns about Rs 8,000 a month
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said on 28 October 2026 that a homeless woman in Indore was rehabilitated under the SMILE scheme. The information is for people who are homeless or need rehabilitation and livelihood support.
What this means for you
This news does not announce any new rule, form or deadline for ordinary people. It shows that under the SMILE scheme, homeless and needy people can get shelter, medical care, counselling and skills training to earn a living. If you or someone you know needs such help, you can ask about the scheme.
Key facts
- On 16 March 2024, a PRAWES team rescued the woman from the Shani temple premises at the district court in Indore.
- She was admitted to Arvindo Hospital, where severe anaemia was treated and cataract surgery was done on both eyes.
- Under the SMILE scheme she received safe housing, medical treatment, psychological counselling and rehabilitation support.
- In July 2025 she took part in a workshop held by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD).
- She now earns about Rs 8,000 a month selling handicrafts; earlier she got about Rs 200 a day by begging.
What happened
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a release on 28 October 2026. It said that under the SMILE scheme, a homeless woman in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, received rehabilitation and livelihood support. The release calls her Meera Thakur, a changed name.
What is the SMILE scheme
SMILE stands for Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It is a ministry scheme meant to empower people in need through rehabilitation and livelihood. According to the release, it includes safe housing, medical care, psychological counselling and continuous rehabilitation support.
The woman’s story
According to the release, the woman had passed Class 11 and had earlier made flower garlands and worked as a kitchen helper. After a family dispute, she faced serious personal and financial problems. After losing her savings and important documents, she fell ill and became homeless. With no reliable income, she began begging.
Rescue and treatment
On 16 March 2024, a team of the Param Pujya Rakshak Adinath Welfare and Educational Society (PRAWES) rescued her from the Shani temple premises at the district court in Indore. She was admitted to Arvindo Hospital, where severe anaemia was treated and nutrition was looked after. Cataract surgery on both eyes was also successful.
Skills and livelihood
As her health improved, she joined yoga, meditation and music therapy sessions. She learned to make carpets and doormats from old sarees, stitching, beaded garlands, incense sticks, and eco-friendly items from cow dung such as idols, diyas and havan kunds. In July 2025 she took part in a workshop held by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD). She now runs the kitchen at the rehabilitation centre and prepares breakfast for about 50-60 beneficiaries. Selling her handicrafts at fairs and exhibitions, she earns about Rs 8,000 a month.
What it means for ordinary people
The release does not give any application process, date or eligibility rule for the public. It is an account of a successful rehabilitation. People who want to know about such help can contact the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment or the concerned department in their district.
Questions and answers
What is the SMILE scheme?
SMILE stands for Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It is a scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that provides rehabilitation and livelihood support.
What help does the SMILE scheme give?
According to the release, it gives safe housing, medical treatment, psychological counselling and continuous rehabilitation support. It also helps people learn skills and earn a living.
Do ordinary people need to do anything?
No. The release does not give any application process, date or condition for the public. It is an account of a successful rehabilitation.
Where did this happen?
It happened in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The woman was rescued on 16 March 2024 from the Shani temple premises at the district court.
Source: PIB, "सड़क से स्वावलंबन तक", 28 October 2026. Read the original notice
This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing. Report an error