Authorities in Srinagar have imposed a complete prohibition on street begging, pivoting the enforcement towards restorative support rather than penalizing offenders, under the Union government-backed SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) initiative, according to official statements.
The district administration, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is rigorously implementing the scheme with a clear mandate centered on social rehabilitation and the eventual reintegration of panhandlers into mainstream society. To galvanize public participation, mobile information vans are being deployed throughout the Srinagar district, broadcasting alerts to educate residents about the new regulations and solicit their aid in locating individuals engaged in the activity.
Official data reveals that over the past two years, more than 1,000 people involved in begging have been successfully transitioned into the welfare system. Based on their individual age profiles and circumstances, these individuals have been placed in appropriate facilities, including old-age homes, shelter homes, and juvenile care institutions. A substantial proportion of those rescued are minors; these children are subsequently provided with protective custody, psychological counseling, educational support, and access to various social welfare programs through the established framework.
The administration noted that the campaign was precipitated by the increasing proliferation of beggars—particularly children—at commercial hubs, traffic intersections, roadside locations, and prominent tourist destinations across the city. Officials emphasized that these young individuals are highly susceptible to exploitation and thus urgently require institutional care and structured support.
The decision has drawn considerable backing from local residents, who have applauded the administration’s efforts to tackle the issue of panhandling while ensuring the safety of vulnerable youth. Many citizens voiced that the rising number of child beggars in public spaces had become a significant concern, and they view the rehabilitative approach as a more permanent and humane solution.
Authorities have made a fervent appeal to the public to refrain from offering alms on the streets, as this inadvertently encourages the practice. Instead, residents are urged to promptly alert the Srinagar district administration or designated SMILE Scheme officials upon noticing any instance of begging across the region. Officials have affirmed that these awareness drives, along with rescue and rehabilitation operations, will persist unabated across Srinagar to ensure social protection, uphold child welfare, and secure the successful mainstreaming of marginalized individuals back into community life.
