Latest news with #SMILE
New Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
HAL to build small satellite launch vehicles
NSIL to launch 15 private payload SSLVs starting from October BENGALURU: New Space India Limited (NSIL) will launch its first small satellite launch vehicles (SSLV) in partnership with private firms in October 2025 and February 2026. After which 15 more will be launched subsequently. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD, NSIL, on Friday said these skilled launches are based on the business in hand and demand. Earlier India did not have the space and technology to launch the SSLVs and it had to be done from the launch pads of other countries, but now after the creation of the SSLV Module in LEO Experiment (SMILE) platform developed by ISRO and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the launches can be done unhindered. The SMILE platform, inspired from the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module, is a cost-effective platform for space technologies. Durairaj said they were aiming to the launch the 15 satellites will not overlap with the ongoing works that are being done with ISRO and HAL. These works had commenced before entering into agreements with HAL. He added that the space sector and technologies have changed with satellites getting miniaturised and more constellations are coming up. India is now making its presence more prominent in the space sector.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Reasi to become J&K's second district to roll out SMILE scheme for beggers
In a significant step towards ensuring a life of dignity for marginalised individuals, Reasi is poised to become the second district in Jammu and Kashmir, after Srinagar, to implement the SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme. Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Nidhi Malik emphasised on swift implementation of SMILE scheme for tackling begging with compassion and opportunity Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on February 12, 2022, the SMILE scheme focuses on the rehabilitation, reintegration, and empowerment of beggars, helping them transition into mainstream society through structured support. The Ministry has identified 50 districts, towns, cities, and locations. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in District Reasi is one of them. A key project approval committee meeting, chaired by Malik, was held recently to scrutinize applications from NGOs interested in implementing the scheme. Out of the three applications received, Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre Society secured the highest score based on the selection criteria established by the ministry. Their project proposal was approved following a detailed review and presentation, which outlined a comprehensive plan including a baseline survey and subsequent rehabilitation efforts. During the meeting, District Social Welfare Officer Reasi, Sachin Sharma, provided an in-depth briefing on the scheme's objectives and implementation strategy. Prayas NGO shared their vision for the Reasi district, detailing a phased approach to bring vulnerable individuals back into the social fold through education, skill-building, and livelihood opportunities.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Lakhs homeless in Delhi, little planning on their relief
New Delhi: Below the city's flyovers, across busy pavements and near markets, there are faces we pass by every day. They are Delhi's homeless hundreds — barefoot, faces streaked with dust, squatting on the hard ground under torn tarpaulin or selling their wares at traffic crossings. Among those who end up on the streets, many come to the city seeking a better life but end up on the pavement. There have been talks of schemes to make their lot better, such as the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE). There are night shelters for the homeless, but thousands still sleep on the roadside, battling hunger, harsh weather and cold concrete. Dr Indu Prakash Singh, a member of the State Level Shelter Monitoring Committee (SLSMC), Delhi, in inputs for the UN-Habitat global report, has highlighted the scale of the issue. He cited a survey from Aug 2024. During this survey, 1,56,369 people were counted as sleeping on Delhi's streets between 11pm and 5.30am. The estimated homeless population in the city is over 3,00,000. Women, children, the elderly, the disabled, pregnant women, the mentally ill and those recovering from addiction or illnesses are the most vulnerable. "The current shelters are not enough," he said. "Delhi has more shelters than many cities in the world. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Govt also provides food and medicines at the shelters. But, there are not enough of them, and many people still sleep outside. The National Urban Livelihood Mission's Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) scheme, launched in 2013, was meant to change this. But even after 10 years, the challenge remains." Dr Singh added that the city's shelter capacity falls short by almost 90% of the requirement under the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021. The impact of the homeless on the city's landscape is visible. Suchita Kacker Meena, a Delhi resident, said: "Sustainable solutions to homelessness lie in building more shelters, creating job opportunities and ensuring effective implementation of rehabilitation programmes." For the homeless, boundary grills become clotheslines, footpaths become kitchens, and spaces under flyovers are makeshift homes. The homeless sell balloons, toys and trinkets on the road. A DUSIB official said: "The court has assigned us responsibility, but the challenge remains. Many homeless people return to the streets despite food and shelter. Some families stay for decades, others never come. We rescue at least 40–50 people daily. They use the night shelters but leave by morning. We urge donors to give to shelters.... We've proposed skill-based programmes for employment." He added that the "lack of manpower (at the shelters) is a big issue. The key is creating jobs in home states to reduce migration to Delhi." BJP had guaranteed removing homelessness if it formed a govt. In Feb 2025, while hearing a case on urban homelessness, Supreme Court questioned if offering jobs would be better than giving freebies. While it acknowledged the need for shelter for the homeless was a priority, it stressed the importance of a balance in welfare policies. Experts say the root of the issue is deeper — gaps in housing policies, long-term support and lack of inclusion. "Remove poverty, bring jobs everywhere, and homelessness will disappear," Dr Singh said. "The tragedy of this country is that the poor are persecuted and not supported. If poverty schemes truly worked, we wouldn't be here discussing this." He said that homelessness "isn't the issue. The lack of work is. The real problem is a govt deficit — not of money, but of care and commitment." Many times, the social welfare department puts all responsibility on DUSIB, he said. "but DUSIB is an engineering body, not a welfare body.... Govt must come up with a holistic policy on this — at central and state levels." Sunil Kumar Aledia, executive director of the Centre for Holistic Development (CHD), said: "The cityscape may be important, but addressing the problem of homelessness is also crucial." He added that the solution lay in "long-term planning, like the five-year plans we had earlier. There were discussions about housing rights for the homeless then.... We need at least five years of dedicated effort, especially for housing policies. Marginalised sections can contribute to the Smart City projects too." He added that homeless people would have to be "brought to the mainstream."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Community leaders rally against proposed cuts to LIHEAP funding
LAFAYETTE, La. () — The program to help individuals avoid utility disconnection is at risk of being cut. Recent reports indicate President Trump's budget plan includes cutting funding to the (LIHeap). Ironically, the group in Lafayette will be in Baton Rouge to join forces with action groups state-wide. SMILE helps to distribute LIHeap funds to families who need utility assistance. SMILE receives approximately $6 million annually to help families in five Acadiana parishes cover their utility bills. On Wednesday, May 21, SMILE leaders from across Louisiana will gather at the Capitol in Baton Rouge to emphasize their position.' Craig Mathews is the president of the which has 42 community action agencies across the state. Plus, he's the chief executive officer of SMILE in Lafayette. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Hilda Witz is the executive director of ACAP. Wiltz and Mathews will be in baton rouge 'Governor Landry adopted a proclamation naming the month of May Community Action Month,' Mathews said. Leaders from SMILE will meet with legislators to discuss how the agencies serve the constituents of lawmakers. 'We are still in the trenches. We are still fighting. We are going to win this war,' Wiltz added. Mathews says he received a zero-lined LIHEAP budget proposal from Washington. 'We need our citizens, our current clients, to understand how vital it is that we continue to fight and that we continue to sound the alarm that real people are being affected by these adverse decisions,' Mathews explained. Mathews and Wiltz realize the budget that could close the doors for smile action agencies must go through many debates before final adoption in September. 'Community Action Month this year is a bit different than in previous years. I've been in this work for 30 years. I never saw a climate as volatile as the one we are in right now,' he stated. 'We cannot stop. We will not stop advocating for community action in every home and every city in this State of Louisiana,' Wiltz said. Louisiana House passes bill that would eliminate DEI programs Will NFL players appear in Olympic flag football? Owners OK proposal Man charged with giving alcohol to 20-year-old who fell from stands at Pirates game Community leaders rally against proposed cuts to LIHEAP funding Police arrest fifth inmate who escaped from the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Despite govt order, very few public offices in Pune have loos dedicated to transgender community
Despite a 2020 directive mandating the establishment of separate toilets for transgender individuals in government buildings, implementation in Pune has been inconsistent, drawing criticism from the transgender community. While some public offices have followed directives, many government buildings in the city still lack such provisions, highlighting a gap between policy and practice. The lone spaces that have dedicated transgender toilet facilities are Pune district social welfare department, public toilet at Swargate bus stop, and Pune district court. However, the Pune Collector's office, both the old and new central buildings, and other prominent government offices still do not have dedicated transgender washrooms. 'With no dedicated facility, we are left with no choices. We cannot go in male toilets being a transwomen and when we enter female toilets, the women feel disturbed and uncomfortable. Despite several government directions and Supreme Court rulings, little work is seen on the ground. In case of transmen, but as they enter male toilets they are prone to sexual assault and harassment,' said Sonali Dalwi, a member of trangender community. People from the community said that in cases where there are dedicated toilet facilities, they remain inaccessible. 'The ones which are built in public places are mostly locked, such as at the Swargate bus stop. What is the use of building them if they are inaccessible? All we demand is a small facility alongside the existing washrooms. We continue with the same ordeal in the hope that someday we will be taken seriously and witness an inclusive change, considering the dignity of transgender people as well,' added Dalwi. As per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, the government shall take welfare measures to protect the rights and interests of transgender persons and facilitate their access to welfare schemes framed by that government. The sub-scheme 'Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons' under the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme also has a provision for creating trans-safe toilets. 'Politicians and administrative officers just listen to our appeals, accept our demand letters, and that's it. No action has been taken so far, even after so many years of repetitive asking,' said Chandni Gore, a member of transgender community. People often assume that trans women can use the women's restroom and trans men can use the men's, but the reality is more complex. 'There are individuals who, for various reasons—whether they haven't fully transitioned or choose not to—don't fully align with the traditional appearance of the gender they identify with. In those cases, using public restrooms can become incredibly challenging and uncomfortable. That's why inclusive washroom facilities in public spaces are very important. I'm glad conversations around the need for transgender washrooms are happening and progress is being made, but the pace needs to pick up,' said Nikita Narayan Mukhyadal, a Pune-based activist for transgender community. Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi has promised to address the issue of the requirement for more inclusive infrastructure. 'I acknowledge the lack of transgender toilets and will put out directions for all government offices in Pune to follow the regulations and government's directives regarding a dedicated washroom facility, and will follow up that transgender toilets are built,' Dudi told The Indian Express. The Social Welfare Office, Pune, has constructed a transgender toilet in 2021 following government directives. 'Most transgender individuals come to our office for government-related work. So the facility was set up right outside to make it more accessible. It's been very helpful, and many people have told us the same, and everything we provide falls under their identity scheme. The transgender washroom is treated like any other, cleaned three times a day like all others, and is regularly checked and maintained. The toilet is designed to be gender-inclusive, with provisions for trans male and trans female users,' said Santosh Hogade, office superintendent at the Social Welfare Office. The Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 has provisions to construct separate toilets for transgender individuals. The responsibility for implementation, including construction and maintenance of washrooms, rests with the state governments, administrations, or Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
