Jammu & Kashmir
Reasi to Implement SMILE Scheme
- 20 Jun 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Reasi is set to become the second district in Jammu and Kashmir, after Srinagar, to implement the SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme.
Key Points
- SMILE Scheme:
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SMILE scheme on 12 February 2022.
- The scheme aims to rehabilitate, reintegrate, and empower individuals engaged in begging, helping them transition into mainstream society through structured support.
- The Ministry identified 50 locations across India, including districts, towns, and cities, for scheme implementation.
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Reasi district is among the selected sites.
- Approval Committee Reviews NGO Applications:
- A recent project approval committee meeting evaluated proposals from Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) interested in implementing SMILE in Reasi.
- The scheme is being implemented in Reasi district in collaboration with Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre Society.
Vaishno Devi Temple
- The temple is located at 5,200 feet in the Trikuta mountains, sees over one crore visitors annually, with a 12 km trek from Katra.
- Key Landmarks: Darshani Deodhi, Banganga, Chara Paduka, Indraprastha, Adhkuari, Garbha Joon, Himkoti, Haathi Matha, Sanji Chhat Bhavan, Sher ka Panja and Bhairon Mandir.
