Srinagar first J&K district to implement ‘SMILE Scheme’ for marginalized communities

Srinagar, Jan 11: In a significant step towards social welfare and rehabilitation, Srinagar has become the first district in Jammu and Kashmir to implement the SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme under GOMODAF India. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive rehabilitation to individuals engaged in begging and transgender communities.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin, inaugurated a full-fledged rehabilitation home for marginalized individuals, marking a major shift in the district’s approach to social welfare.
“This is the first time in J&K that this scheme is being implemented, and Srinagar is leading the way. It is a comprehensive scheme where we are actively involved in addressing the issue of begging,” Dr. Bilal told Rising Kashmir.
The newly established rehabilitation home has an initial capacity of 50 people, with plans for future expansion. “Some people here complain about the lack of space in their homes. Now we have a proper rehabilitation center for them,” he added.
Dr. Bilal highlighted that earlier, the J&K Provincial Baggery Act of 1960 criminalized begging, but a 196-page High Court judgment later struck down the law, emphasizing the role of a welfare state. “We used to issue arrest orders for people involved in begging. However, the High Court later reinforced that the solution lies in rehabilitation, not criminalization,” he explained.
The SMILE scheme, launched by the Government of India, follows human rights guidelines set by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Supreme Court. It has two components rehabilitation for transgender individuals and those engaged in begging. The initiative will be executed by the District Social Welfare Officer (DSW) in collaboration with NGO Inpallant Paryas.
DC Srinagar outlined a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, stating, “This is not just a place to sit, but a full-fledged rehabilitation home. We will focus on skill empowerment, engaging individuals in trades like boutique work, tailoring, cutting, and bulb-making to integrate them into employment or enterprise.”
In addition, the initiative ensures that children previously involved in begging are now enrolled in schools. “We have also connected these children with schools. There is no better definition of a welfare state than the implementation of the SMILE scheme in Srinagar,” he stated.
Expressing satisfaction with the initiative, Dr. Bilal highlighted that this milestone marks a new beginning for the marginalized community. “Many media persons used to point out that we were only arresting them. Now, we have an alternative rehabilitation. This is our job as a welfare state. We cannot criminalize a community for their circumstances. The court has also reinforced this stance,” he remarked.
With everything in place, the district administration will now begin rehabilitating individuals under the scheme. “This is an important milestone for Srinagar. From today, we will bring them here and rehabilitate them. This effort will yield significant benefits for the community,” he concluded.