JAMMU: The Department of Home Science (Human Development) at the University of Jammu organized the Second Two-Day Capacity-Building Training Programme on “Convergence of Programmes for the Elimination of Beggary” on February 21–22, 2026.
The initiative was sponsored by the National Institute of Social Defence under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Mohd. Haseeb Mughal (IPS), DIG Traffic, Jammu, who described beggary as a complex and deeply rooted social challenge that requires sustained and coordinated intervention. He noted that relying solely on punitive legal measures has not yielded lasting results and emphasized the need for a humane, rehabilitation-driven strategy involving law enforcement agencies, social welfare departments, non-governmental organizations, and community institutions.
Dr. Mughal called for the creation of reliable and updated data to inform policy decisions and highlighted the urgency of targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. He stressed strict action against trafficking networks that exploit individuals for forced begging and proposed the establishment of a dedicated helpline for those seeking to leave beggary. He further underscored the importance of medical care, psychological counselling, skill training, shelter facilities, and livelihood support to ensure dignified reintegration into mainstream society.
In her welcome address, Prof. Sarika Manhas, Head of the Department, reiterated the importance of institutional convergence in addressing beggary as a developmental and social issue. She stated that the second edition of the programme builds upon earlier deliberations and aims to strengthen inter-departmental collaboration, clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop region-specific, actionable strategies. She informed participants that recommendations emerging from both workshops are being compiled and will be formally submitted to the Ministry for policy consideration and follow-up action.
The inaugural session was followed by a series of technical presentations. Dr. Hema Gandrotra, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, University of Jammu, spoke on “Beggary and Social Stigma: The Problem of Identity and Labelling,” examining the societal perceptions that marginalize individuals engaged in begging.
Pardeep Dutta, Consulting Editor at NDTV, addressed the “Role of Media in Addressing Beggary: Representation, Ethics and Social Responsibility,” highlighting the media’s responsibility in shaping public discourse. Dr. Sapna Bansal, Associate Professor at the National Forensic Sciences University, New Delhi, delivered a session on “Legal Frameworks Governing Beggary — Constitutional Mandates, Judicial Trends and Policy Reform,” outlining the evolving legal and policy landscape surrounding the issue.
The Day One proceedings concluded with remarks by Dr. Nitan Sharma, Assistant Professor at The Law School, University of Jammu, who summarized the key deliberations and stressed the need for collaborative action.
The training programme was attended by several senior officials and academicians, including SSP M.R. Giri (JKPS), Dy. SP Sunniya Wani, Dy. SP Ramesh Kataria, Shivani Sawhney, Dr. Arpana Rajput (PSPS Government PG College for Women, Gandhi Nagar), Dr. Sanya Khan (Mission Shakti, Doda), and Dr. Kanika Gupta (GDC Samba), among others.
