700 individuals rescued, over 1,500 identified
Admin, SWD, police collab to curb begging
Srinagar, Jun 16: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified its drive to curb begging practice under the central government’s Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme, aimed at making Srinagar beggar-free through rehabilitation and livelihood support measures.
Under the initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the district administration of Srinagar, Social Welfare Department and Police have jointly started the effective implementation of the scheme to ensure a dignified livelihood for ‘beggars’.
In this regard, vehicles have been deployed to make announcements throughout the markets, streets and residential areas regarding the begging practices.
One such vehicle was seen moving around Lal Chowk today while making announcements. As per the announcement, the people have been asked not to endorse begging practices by giving alms and also report such practices to the concerned authorities for immediate action.
An official told Rising Kashmir that the scheme launched by the central government aims to make the whole of India beggar-free, with the slogan “Biksha Vritti Mukt Bharat” has been rolled out in Srinagar as well by roping in social welfare, police, and administration to effectively implement the scheme.
“Under this scheme, we have been able to rescue nearly 700 such individuals and identified more than 1500 throughout Srinagar district, who were involved in begging practice in the last two years, he said.
“After being rescued, the individuals are being imparted training and skills through the livelihood schemes to make them able to earn a dignified livelihood,” the official said, adding that the efforts are on to make Srinagar a beggar-free district, but at this juncture, the society needs to support and help to identify such individuals to ensure the dignified livelihood for ‘beggars’.
The SMILE scheme provides counselling, shelter, food, holistic rehabilitation, medical care, education, skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities for individuals engaged in begging.
The umbrella scheme is divided into two major sub-schemes tailored to specific communities, including the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons and the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Beggars.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Central Sector Sub Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Beggars, which focuses on conducting area-specific surveys and rescue operations in identified locations, particularly historical, tourist and pilgrimage destinations. Under the scheme, individuals engaged in begging are identified and shifted to shelter homes where they are provided care and support services.
The programme also emphasises rehabilitation through counselling, education and skill development, enabling rescued individuals to transition towards sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship and dignified employment opportunities.
In addition, the scheme encourages the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) among beneficiaries and facilitates their linkage with government-backed micro-credit and financial inclusion programmes to support long-term economic independence.
The scheme was introduced in August 2024 and implemented through the national-level organisation Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre.
