Meet focuses on rehabilitating beggars

NAMSAI, May 08: A coordination meeting for Project SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises) was held at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office here on Wednesday.

Chaired by Namsai DC, C R Khampa, the meeting brought together stakeholders to discuss the progress and challenges of the initiative aimed at rehabilitating individuals involved in begging.

The meeting began with an address by executive assistant and nodal officer Oni Padun, who outlined the project's objectives and highlighted the challenges faced by the implementing NGO, Dhama Foundation, particularly during rescue operations and management tasks.

Padun called for increased support from key departments, including Police, Health, Education, Economics & Statistics, and Women and Child Development of Namsai district.

Chow Dinesh Chowlik, Project Manager of Dhama Aid Foundation, delivered a detailed presentation on the project's activities and goals in the district.

DC Khampa urged the secretary of the Dhama Foundation to develop a comprehensive roadmap for integrating individuals engaged in begging back into mainstream society, ensuring they lead dignified lives.

He stressed the importance of coordinating with rehabilitation centers suitable for the individuals' health status and age, as well as providing appropriate skill training.

Khampa also called on all departments and stakeholders to work diligently towards the project's goals, ensuring that every individual engaged in begging benefits from the available schemes.

The meeting was attended by Namsai superintendent of police, child development project officer, representatives from the district medical office, district director of school education, additional district education secretary, along with other officials from district administration and representatives from NGOs.

The stakeholders resolved to collaborate under one umbrella to address the issues of documentation, health, rescue, education, and rehabilitation of the individuals concerned.