The district administration aims to make the city “beggar-free” under a central rehabilitation project.
Deember 16, 2024: Indore, which aims to become a beggar-free city, is set to enforce strict measures starting January 1. The district administration will register FIRs against individuals who give money to beggars, a move aimed at discouraging begging on the streets.
Speaking to the media, District Collector Ashish Singh confirmed the decision, emphasising that an awareness campaign will run until the end of December. “If any person is found giving alms from January 1, an FIR will be registered against them. I appeal to all residents not to become partners in the sin by encouraging begging,” he stated.
The initiative is part of a pilot project launched by the central government to rehabilitate beggars, covering 10 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad.
The campaign has already revealed some surprising facts. Project officer Dinesh Mishra noted, “We found cases where beggars owned pucca houses or had children working in banks. In one instance, ₹29,000 was found on a beggar. Some beggars even loan money and charge interest. We also discovered a gang from Rajasthan using children to beg.”
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To aid rehabilitation, Madhya Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Narayan Singh Kushwaha announced collaboration with an Indore-based organization. “The organization will provide shelter for six months and work on finding employment opportunities for them. We are committed to freeing people from begging,” he said.
The administration hopes these measures will address organized begging while providing meaningful rehabilitation for those in need.
Tags: Indore beggar-free initiative, anti-begging campaign, FIR against giving alms, rehabilitation project, central government pilot project, Madhya Pradesh social welfare, organized begging, Indore district administration,
