Three destitutes rescued in Madurai

Madurai: The Madurai corporation rescued three destitutes living under the Kalavasal bridge on Sunday. The drive was carried out under the SMILE scheme to rescue and rehabilitate beggars, destitutes, and homeless individuals as part of efforts to make the city beggar-free. During the drive, volunteers including advocates and Red Cross members gave on-the-spot counselling to around 20 people who were begging and sent them away. Three homeless individuals were rescued and taken to a SMILE Home for rehabilitation. Further, individuals loitering around bus stops and signal areas were counselled with the help of police and sent back to their homes.Raman, manager of the SMILE Home, said, "The ‘Beggar-Free Madurai initiative, which was launched in 2023, provides beneficiaries with food, clothing, shelter, medical care, skill training, support for self-employment, job opportunities in the private sector, and reintegration with their families." He added that around 100 people have been rehabilitated so far."Shelters have been established at Uthangudi, Shenoy Nagar, Simmakkal, and Keerathurai, each with facilities to accommodate 50 individuals. The public can help identify healthy beggars and destitutes and facilitate their admission into these shelters," he said.