New Delhi, 26 April (IANS). The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has organized a seminar to understand, consider and share information for the rehabilitation of beggars, homeless people and destitute in the country. The event was held in the capital Delhi in collaboration with World Bank. Its subject was – ‘access to inaccessible population – SMILE (begging)’.
Experts from home and abroad participated in this program. Its aim was to promote negotiations and proceedings on strengthening the social security system for the weaker sections of the society.
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, while speaking about the inclusive development and reaching the differently abled, said, “We have to talk directly to those who have stopped begged, so that we can understand the real reasons and the impact of the help systems.”
Rajesh Aggarwal also said that the problem of begging is related to social, religious and economic reasons and its solution is not easy.
World Bank chief economist Benedict Leroy de La Briyre said that if a person has basic facilities like address, bank account and healthcare facilities, it becomes easy to identify and help them. He also discussed with a global perspective on the eradication of begging.
He also stated that such events provide true information of ground level, which help in making effective plans. He said that the center of discussion should be practical solutions and targeted help.
Nodal officers of various states and organizations working at the ground level also participated in the program. He shared stories of his experiences, challenges and success.
Economic advisor Ajay Srivastava said, “Around 18,000 people have been identified under SMILE initiative, out of which 1,612 people have already been rehabilitated.” He assured that the process of rehabilitation of the remaining people is being intensified.
-IANS
AS/
