Indore is set to become a beggar-free district starting January 1, 2025, as district authorities implement strict measures, including legal action against residents giving alms to beggars, as part of a Union Ministry initiative.
Indore, known as India’s cleanest city, is now gearing up for another transformative milestone: becoming beggar-free. Starting from New Year’s Day 2025, the district administration has announced strict measures aimed at eradicating begging from the city. Residents who offer alms to beggars will face legal consequences, with FIRs filed against them under the new rules.
District Collector Ashish Singh, during a recent press conference, unveiled the administration’s plans to run an awareness campaign throughout December. This campaign will inform residents about the adverse societal impact of begging and the rationale behind the new measures.
“Till the end of this month, awareness campaigns will be carried out. From January 1, FIRs will be registered against those giving alms to beggars,” Singh stated. He further appealed to citizens not to perpetuate begging by giving alms, which he described as contributing to societal harm.
As part of the initiative, the authorities have also cracked down on organized begging gangs and are taking steps to rehabilitate those coerced into begging. Shelters and skill development programs are being implemented to ensure the affected individuals receive support and an opportunity to reintegrate into mainstream society.
The decision to make Indore beggar-free is part of a pilot project under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The initiative aims to transform ten cities, including Indore, into beggar-free zones. Other cities selected for the program include Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad.
The administration’s efforts to remove beggars from the streets of Indore are focused not only on enforcement but also on rehabilitation. Authorities are ensuring that individuals involved in begging, especially children and those forced into it, are provided with the necessary care and resources to build better lives.
The move to make Indore beggar-free marks a significant step toward improving urban living standards and addressing systemic issues linked to poverty and exploitation. By combining strict enforcement with rehabilitation initiatives, Indore could set a precedent for other cities in India. As 2025 approaches, the success of this pilot project could inspire more comprehensive efforts to tackle the root causes of begging nationwide.
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