Give alms to beggars and risk police case in India
Indore is enforcing strict measures to rehabilitate beggars and discourage almsgiving
Indore: People caught giving money to beggars in the city of Indore will now face a police case in a bold new move to stop begging.
Indore is aiming to become the first beggar-free city in the country from January 1 when the district administration will register First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals caught giving money to beggars, media reports said. This unprecedented step follows an order banning begging in the city.
Ashish Singh, the district collector of Indore, explained the administration’s stance during a recent media briefing. "Our awareness campaign against begging will continue until the end of this month. From January 1, anyone found giving alms will face legal consequences," he said. "I appeal to all citizens of Indore not to participate in the sin of encouraging begging by giving alms."
The move is part of a central government pilot project targeting the rehabilitation of beggars across 10 cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Indore’s efforts aim to reshape the lives of those who beg while maintaining its reputation as a model city, NDTV reported.
Revealing the begging economy
The anti-begging campaign has brought to light surprising details about the lives of some beggars. According to project officer Dinesh Mishra, investigations revealed that many beggars are not as destitute as they appear. Some own permanent houses, while others have children employed in banks. In one instance, a beggar was found with Rs 29,000 in cash, while another was reportedly lending money and charging interest. Mishra also highlighted how organised gangs exploit begging, such as a group that brought children from Rajasthan to beg in Indore.
Support and rehabilitation efforts
The campaign is backed by Madhya Pradesh’s Social Welfare Department. Narayan Singh Kushwaha, the state’s Social Welfare Minister, highlighted the involvement of local organisations in the initiative. "An Indore-based organisation has stepped up to provide shelter to beggars for six months and help them find employment. We are working tirelessly to free people from the clutches of begging," Kushwaha said.