Indore Becomes India’s First Beggar-Free City
Indore has recently become the first beggar-free city in India. This transformation was announced by district magistrate Ashish Singh, who brought into light the successful rehabilitation of approximately 5,000 beggars. The initiative began in February 2024 and has garnered recognition from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, as well as a commendation from a World Bank team.
Campaign Details
The campaign aimed to eliminate begging in Indore involved several strategic phases. Initially, an awareness campaign was launched to educate the public about the issue. Following this, the focus shifted to the rehabilitation of beggars. This included enrolling children in schools and assisting adults in finding employment. The initiative has been structured to address the root causes of begging.
Rehabilitation Process
The rehabilitation process categorises beggars into three main groups. The first group consists of habitual beggars, making up 60% of the total. The second group includes those who beg due to financial difficulties, mental illness, or physical disabilities, accounting for 20%. The final group, also 20%, comprises individuals who are forced into begging, including children and drug addicts. Each group receives tailored support to address their specific needs.
Community Involvement
Community engagement has played important role in the campaign’s success. Special attention is given to communities like the Nath and Nut Samaj, who often resist moving into rehabilitation centres. To overcome this, training and support are provided directly within their communities. This grassroots approach has helped build trust and encourage participation in the programme.
Government and Institutional Support
The campaign has received extensive support from various government bodies. A unique feature of the initiative is the ban on both begging and the act of giving money to beggars. Violations of this ban have led to the registration of several FIRs. Additionally, a reward system incentivises citizens to report instances of begging, further aiding the initiative’s success.
International Recognition
The World Bank conducted a comprehensive survey of Indore’s initiative, praising it as a model for other cities in India. The visiting team explored areas previously known for high numbers of beggars and found none. They also visited a rehabilitation centre that provides shelter, psychological counselling, and skill development programmes. The findings will be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office for further consideration.
Future Prospects
Indore’s pioneering effort in becoming a beggar-free city is currently in a testing phase. An official inspection by the Ministry of Social Justice is anticipated soon. If successful, Indore may serve as a replicable model for other cities across India, potentially reshaping the approach to social welfare and rehabilitation.
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