Giving money to beggars will be banned in this city from 1st January 2025; FIR will be lodged against violators
The Indore district administration has announced a strict new policy to curb begging in the city starting January 1, 2025. Individuals caught giving alms to beggars will face legal action, including the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). The measure is part of a broader initiative aligned with the Union government’s SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme, which aims to make 10 cities, including Indore, beggar-free.
District Collector Ashish Singh revealed that an awareness campaign against begging is already underway and will continue until the end of December 2024. Urging citizens to comply, Singh stated, “I appeal to all residents of Indore not to become partners in the sin by giving alms to people.”
The administration has also identified organized gangs exploiting vulnerable individuals for begging and claims significant progress in rehabilitating those involved. An official order banning begging has been issued, and enforcement will follow in January.
Rehabilitation and Empowerment Efforts
The SMILE scheme, implemented through state governments, local authorities, and voluntary organizations, offers a range of services to those affected by begging. These include:
- Awareness campaigns
- Identification and rehabilitation of beggars
- Medical care access
- Counseling and education
- Skill development for sustainable livelihoods
This initiative recognizes that begging often stems from survival needs rather than choice. By focusing on long-term rehabilitation, the program aims to restore dignity and empower individuals for a better future.
Begging: A National Issue
According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, begging represents the “most extreme form of poverty.” India’s 2011 Census estimated the population of beggars and vagrants at approximately 4.13 lakh, with the majority classified as non-workers. Rehabilitation efforts focus on dismantling criminal networks involved in forced begging and addressing the root causes of poverty.
As Indore prepares to implement this ban, the administration hopes for collective action from residents to ensure the success of the initiative.
