• DC Srinagar visits Rehabilitation Home for persons involved in the act of Begging; takes stock of the available facilities
  • Says initiative aimed to rehabilitate and reintegrate beggars into Society to ensure their dignified life under SMILE scheme

SRINAGAR: With an aim to rehabilitate and facilitate beggars to join mainstream to live a dignified life under SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme in District, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat Saturday visited newly established Rehabilitation Home for persons engaged in the act of Begging here at Hawal.

Notably, Srinagar has become the first District in Jammu and Kashmir to implement the SMILE scheme launched by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2022, to rehabilitate and reintegrate beggars into society. During the visit, the DC was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Tehsildar Eidgah, NGO members and other concerned.

On the occasion, the DC took a detailed round of the Rehabilitation Home and inspected the facilities and rehabilitation measures for the persons engaged in the act of Begging. While interacting with the Officers and staff of the Rehabilitation Centre, the DC said that the initiative has been taken to address the issue of begging in the District under SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme.

The DC added that the SMILE scheme will provide beggars with vocational training and livelihood opportunities, aiming to empower them to become self-sufficient.  He emphasized a holistic approach, focusing on social reintegration and the well-being of marginalized individuals. Dr Bilal further said that special provisions will be made for children found begging. He said they will be enrolled in schools to ensure their education and development. He said that the District Administration is committed not only to eliminate begging but also to ensure that those affected receive the support they need to earn livelihood with dignity and honour.

Meanwhile, the DC has stressed the staff of the Rehabilitation home to work in a compassionate manner towards the affected section of the society and enable them to lead a life of value and dignity.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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