This problem beggars a solution

This problem beggars a solution

Concerned over the glaring increase in the number of beggars across all major cities and towns in the country, the Centre is now focussing on preventing begging.

To begin with, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has asked the States and Union Territories to inform the Centre about schemes and welfare measures taken by them to check beggary.

No information on implementation.

“Although various State governments and Union Territories have enacted anti-beggary legislations or adopted measures through executive orders, not much information regarding the status of their implementation is available,” wrote the Ministry to the States.

Begging is considered a crime in India under the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, rather than a social issue. An individual found begging can be sent to a begging shelter home or even jail without a trial. Several States have adopted this Act.

Begging is a social problem and has multifarious ramifications, especially in metropolitan cities and towns. It has become a major concern, needing immediate attention for its prevention in a multipronged manner, the Ministry said, while demanding data from States on anti-beggary measures adopted by them.

The Centre and State governments and the National Crime Records Bureau have no data on the number of beggars in the country.

‘Identification complex’

“Identifying beggars is a complex thing. Any individual who ‘looks’ like a beggar – shabbily dressed and unkempt – is considered a beggar, even if he is of unsound mental frame,” said Amod Kanth, former chairperson of the Delhi Commission on Protection of Child Rights and the vice chairperson of the Apex Committee set up by the Delhi High Court to supervise the running of the 207 shelter homes in the national capital.

“Worse, homeless people and landless labourers who migrate to bigger cities in search of livelihood, destitute people and other categories of people fall into the category of beggars and it is extremely difficult to differentiate [them],” he added.

Only 10 per cent of the people living in 207 shelter homes in Delhi are actually beggars. All others are working people who have no place to live. Old and ill people also co-exist in these shelter homes. This can also, at times, result in people becoming drug addicts or alcoholics, he said.

No mechanism for rehabilitation

“In fact, there is no mechanism to rehabilitate these destitute people or even bring them under the ambit of the Right to Food Act,” Mr Kanth said.

Just a few days ago, I had written to AAP on the above subject.

Read below

Dear Arvindji,

I refer to your press release on the above subject.

It is a very good step in the right direction. I have a few suggestions.

We seem to have become a nation of beggars. Everywhere you go, we find beggars running after you. I know all religions want their followers to give alms to beggars and without beggars one of the roads leading to heaven would be closed for the believers. But shouldn't we think of removing begging instead of giving alms to beggars?

I would suggest that any child found begging on the streets should be immediately taken under the care of the state. Provide them with good education and a place to stay. This action will immediately put an end to crimes against children by people who kidnap and maim children to make them bag – like Oliver Twist.Why should we have to depend on Mother Teresa and other voluntary organisations to take care of our children? Why can't we do it ourselves?

Any adult found begging on the streets should be taken to homes run by NGOs, financed by the government, where they could be trained to perform some useful work and in lieu of which they could be given Roti, Kapada and a place to stay.The work done by these people could be marketed by the NGOs. Of course, there should be officers who would audit and inspect these NGOs and homes so that these poor people are not ill treated - again like Oliver Twist.

The next step would be to take under state care, children who are found working which is against child labour. People who cannot provide for their children should not be allowed to produce children. Those that have already been produced should be taken under state care and further production should be prevented by vasectomy. We already have millions of beggars; let us not add to the population. Let us try to look after the citizens who have already been born and not add to the mouths to feed.

Thereafter, let us look after the children of economically weak, irrespective of caste, colour, region or religion. In this respect I feel that your proposal to reserve seats in Delhi colleges only for Delhi residents is a retrograde step. What is then to differentiate you from Raj Thackeray who wants only Marathis in Maharashtra. I’ll give you an example of how we should go about it.

My son stays is the USA. My grand-daughter is in pre-nursery. For the next session in nursery, they had to fill in the registration forms. The number of forms issued was more than the number of seats. So now there will be a lottery. Children from not only her school but other schools will be eligible for admission through this lottery. However, all children will get admission in one school or other. No child can remain home, uneducated.

Unless we take care of the next generation, how can we improve? If any child is found playing on the streets instead of being in a school, the state should step in and take care of the child by providing him the basic requirement and education.

People may ask where will the money come from. Don’t worry. The Congress and BJP have utilized only Rs 10/- of every Rs 100/- given to them for the welfare of the people. You have the balance Rs 90/-. Your intention should be good and AAP should work honestly.

Best regards,

Radheshyam Sharma

188, Bangur Avenue,

B-Block,

Kolkata - 700055