Srinagar, Jun 21: The Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme has revealed surprising findings about begging practices in Srinagar, with officials associated with the programme claiming that nearly 90 per cent of surveyed individuals engaged in begging view it as a source of regular income rather than a compulsion driven by poverty.
The findings emerged from rescue and rehabilitation efforts undertaken over the past two years under the centrally sponsored initiative by Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre, Srinagar.
In an exclusive interaction with Rising Kashmir, State Coordinator of Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre, Srinagar, Mustafa Nazir Khan claims that about 90% of individuals involved in begging practices see it as a business and easy earning, while only 5-8 per cent among them are needy.
According to Khan, some individuals engaged in begging reportedly earn up to Rs 9,000 a day during Ramadan and during the other months; they earn Rs 500 a day. “In this scenario, how come these individuals stop such practice, as the society doesn’t play its role at this juncture. The people of Kashmir prefer giving alms as charity as per the teachings of Islam, but one should know how such money is being wasted by many among the beggars by using drugs,” he said.
He added that society shouldn’t encourage begging practice, but instead should identify the needy within their locality to help them secretly, rather than giving alms, which encourages the begging practice.
Sharing details, the State Coordinator said they have found many retired government employees involved in such practice, which was quite shocking to them.
“In the past two years, we have identified 1500 such individuals and above 700 have been rescued and rehabilitated,” he said, adding that the elderly are being identified and later reunited. “Anyone above the age of 60 years is being enrolled in an old-age pension scheme, while many have been registered under disability and other related pensions. They are also being enrolled under the SEHAT scheme for proper treatment.”
Furthermore, Khan divulged that the children, after being rescued, are handed over to Child Welfare Committee (CWC), where they are being properly counselled and later sent to the schools. “Anyone above 16 years of age, who is reluctant to pursue education, is being given skill training for a dignified livelihood,” he added.
About the shelter home for women beggars, the State Coordinator informed that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) had launched the scheme as a pilot project in 30 cities only, but after the successful outcome, the Ministry has given a nod for the women’s shelter home in Srinagar as well. “The women’s shelter home will be available soon,” he said.
