Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in Begging: A Successful Approach to Rescue and Mobilization
"What comes from the heart, goes to the heart." The journey toward rehabilitation is more than just policies and procedures; it’s about building human connections, showing compassion, and creating pathways for people to thrive. Together, we can bridge the gap between the streets and a future filled with opportunity, healing, and hope"
Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in Begging: A Successful Approach to Rescue and Mobilization
Reflections on the One-Day Workshop and Training Program on SMILE Sub-Scheme
Hotel Panchsheel, Ayodhya – 20th September 2024
On 20th September 2024, the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) hosted a one-day workshop under the SMILE Sub-Scheme, focusing on the comprehensive rehabilitation of individuals engaged in begging. The event brought together over 140 participants, including nodal officers and implementing agencies, to discuss sustainable approaches to addressing the complex challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and begging. The workshop aimed to share successful practices for rescue and rehabilitation, driven by a collective vision to integrate marginalized individuals into mainstream society.
Welcome Remarks and Keynotes: Setting the Stage for ChangeThe program began with a warm welcome by Smt. Kajal Singh, Director of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), who underscored the urgent need to address the structural and personal factors that drive people into begging. Her remarks set the tone for the day, followed by a keynote address from Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary of MoSJE. He highlighted the government's commitment to the SMILE Sub-Scheme and emphasized the importance of creating pathways for the rehabilitation of individuals facing poverty, addiction, and social exclusion.
The Importance of Emotional Connection in Rehabilitation
One of the core themes of the workshop was the emphasis on an emotionally-centered approach to rehabilitation, advocated by life coach and social worker Suneel Vatsyayan during his session. He introduced the "Dil Se Dil Tak" (Heart-to-Heart) approach, which stresses the need for empathetic engagement with individuals on the streets, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and heard. Highlighting how trauma, addiction, and displacement often push people into homelessness and begging, he called for a deeper emotional connection in rehabilitation efforts.
In a sideline conversation, Ms. Seema Kumari, Joint Secretary of the Bihar Government, shared a poignant story about a young man who began begging outside his own home after spiraling into addiction and depleting all his resources. Her testimony echoed the challenges faced by many on the streets, underscoring the need for mental health support and emotional interventions in the rehabilitation process.
SMILE Framework: A Holistic Pathway to Rehabilitation
The workshop spotlighted the SMILE Framework, which serves as a comprehensive model for rescuing and reintegrating individuals engaged in begging. The framework comprises five pillars:
S (Shelter): Providing safe spaces is a critical first step, offering dignity and protection through temporary housing solutions to stabilize individuals during their rehabilitation journey.
M (Mitigation): Addressing the root causes of begging—such as poverty, unemployment, addiction, and mental health issues—through preventive measures and targeted social interventions.
I (Intervention): Offering immediate physical and emotional first aid during the rescue process, including health check-ups, legal assistance, and crisis counseling.
L (Livelihood): Promoting economic empowerment through vocational training, skill development, and job placements to help individuals work towards self-reliance and financial stability.
E (Emotion Connect): Building heart-to-heart connections, providing ongoing counseling, and nurturing community support networks essential for long-term rehabilitation and preventing relapse.
This holistic approach aims to provide a solid foundation for individuals to reclaim their dignity and build sustainable futures.
Best Practices and Convergence of ServicesA significant part of the workshop involved sharing best practices. Shri Naveen Kumar, founder of Atchayam Trust, presented successful models from Tamil Nadu, where targeted rescue efforts combined with skill-building initiatives have effectively reintegrated many beggars into society. Similarly, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s collaborative approach with civil society organizations (CSOs) and local government bodies showcased the impactful results of service convergence.
During discussions, it was stressed that the focus should shift from merely rescuing individuals to empowering and mobilizing them meaningfully. The goal is to transform a person’s monologue of despair into a dialogue of hope and possibility, making rehabilitation a truly transformative process.
Concluding Reflections: Circles of Hope and a Listening Community
In his closing reflections, Mr. Vatsyayan called for collective action, emphasizing the importance of creating "circles of hope" and building a "listening community" to ensure the success of the SMILE initiative. He stressed that the rehabilitation of individuals engaged in begging is not just a governmental responsibility but a shared societal duty.
The SMILE Sub-Scheme stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing the power of emotional connection, holistic support, and community collaboration. Participants left the workshop equipped with actionable strategies and a renewed commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to reintegrate into society with dignity and hope.
As aptly put, "What comes from the heart, goes to the heart." The journey towards rehabilitation transcends policies and procedures—it’s about human connection, compassion, and building pathways for people to thrive. Together, we can bridge the gap between the streets and a future filled with opportunity, healing, and hope.