Beggary has become a significant social issue in Jammu, the most populous district in the state. Despite being an offence under the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act 1960, begging continues to be prevalent at public places, especially near places of worship, streets, and roadsides, causing inconvenience to the public. Jammu and Kashmir has identified 1,303 individuals engaged in begging under the Centre’s Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE-B) scheme, with 462 of them rehabilitated through various interventions.The act of begging not only exploits the individual but also has a profound impact on society as a whole. While it may evoke feelings of sympathy and encourage individuals to introspect about their responsibilities towards the needy, it also perpetuates a cycle of dependency and social inequality. Beggars, often seen pestering people at traffic signals and public areas, are frequently involved in organized crime, including pickpocketing and theft. Women and children, particularly from the Rohingya community, are increasingly being exploited for begging, with some even renting babies to elicit sympathy. This has become a potential threat to public safety, with reports of pickpocketing and harassment.
The deserving cases, such as the crippled, lame, deaf, dumb, blind, or handicapped, are few and far between. Many beggars are young and able-bodied, exploiting the sympathy of others for personal gain. The administration must take stringent action to curb this menace and make the district more citizen-friendly. The use of children in begging is particularly alarming, with kids as young as six being forced into this trade. The lack of strong laws and government-run juvenile homes has exacerbated the problem. It is imperative that the administration takes immediate action to rehabilitate these children and prosecute those involved in pushing them into begging.
There is no specific data on the number of beggars in Jammu and Kashmir over the last 5 years, however, it is worth noting that the practice of begging has grown noticeably in the region, driven by diverse motivations, including poverty, unemployment, and family responsibilities. It is nice that the government has launched initiatives like the SMILE scheme to address this issue, focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and empowerment of beggars. Srinagar has become the first district in Jammu and Kashmir to implement the SMILE scheme, with plans to expand it to other districts like Reasi. The SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme is making significant strides in Jammu and Kashmir, with 1,303 individuals identified and 462 rehabilitated so far. The scheme focuses on providing shelter, food, skill development, and livelihood opportunities to marginalized individuals, including beggars and transgender persons. The SMILE Scheme covers Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Providing shelter homes and vocational training to help individuals become self-sufficient, Offering training in trades like boutique work, tailoring, and bulb-making, focusing on social reintegration and well-being of marginalized individuals and being implemented in 181 cities across 32 states and union territories, with Srinagar being the first district in Jammu and Kashmir to roll it out.
The scheme has shown promising results, with many beggars expressing willingness to give up begging if provided with adequate work skills and support. A stringent law is needed to deal with this issue, and efforts should be made to provide support and rehabilitation to those in need. The administration must work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all citizens, and it is crucial that we address this social evil to create a more equitable society.
The writer is a Freelance Journalist, Writer & Cartoonist
