Need to have structured rehab programmes for orphans, say speakers

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 5

Speakers at a seminar at Government Degree College, Shopian, today called for setting up structured rehabilitation programmes, covering education, healthcare and livelihood of orphans, widows and destitute in the state.

The seminar, “Plight of Orphans and Widows - Our Responsibilities”, was organised by the J&K Yateem Foundation, Shopian unit.

Professor Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi, who was chief guest on the occasion, called for taking concrete measures to rehabilitate thousands of orphans, widows and destitute through a well-structured rehabilitation mechanism.

“Through education, the orphan children can be empowered while creating livelihood and employment opportunities for them to become self-sufficient,” said professor Rafiabadi.

He claimed that only 5 per cent of the people paid ‘zakat’ (giving 2.5 per cent of one’s savings to the poor and needy) which was not sufficient for providing succour to the poor and needy in the state.

He said if 20 per cent of the people paid zakat, the genuine needs of sustenance, education, healthcare and rehabilitation of the underprivileged sections could be taken care of with honour and dignity.

“Of over 2 lakh orphans in Jammu and Kashmir, around 2,000 are taken care of by orphanages. A large number of orphan children are not being covered under the welfare and rehabilitation programmes for which pro-active initiatives are needed,” he said.

Principal, Government Degree College, Shopian, Prof Showkat Ahmad, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, stressed the need to evolve a structured mechanism for the welfare and rehabilitation of orphans, widows and destitute.

Chairman, J&K Yateem Foundation Mohammad, Rafiq Lone, in his vote of thanks, urged the people to join hands for taking forward the common cause of welfare and rehabilitation of orphans, widows and destitute.