Operation Smile: Vemulawada Aims for Beggar-Free Society, Offers Rehabilitation

• Operation Smile, a special drive, was conducted in Vemulawada to create a begging-free society in Rajanna Sircilla district.
• The drive identified elderly, orphans, transgenders, and mentally unstable individuals begging near Sri Vemulawada Rajarajeswara Swamy Temple.
• Officials provided counseling, identified reasons for begging (neglect, health, unemployment), and suggested solutions.
• Additional SP Chandraiah stated that over 70 individuals were identified and counseled, with plans for shelter homes and rehabilitation.
• Transgenders expressed readiness for self-reliance if the government provides employment, as begging is a crime.

Why It Matters: Vemulawada's Operation Smile aims to end begging by offering rehabilitation, counseling, and employment opportunities.