MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT (SMT. MEIRA KUMAR)
(a),(b),(c),(d),(e) & (f) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to parts (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of Lok
Sabha Starred Question No. 439 for answer on 25th August, 2005 raised by
Dr. R. Senthil regarding `Census on Beggars`.
(a) No reliable estimate about the number of beggars in the country is
available with Government of India.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) Government is aware of children begging on road crossings in Delhi.
(d) The Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 was extended to Delhi in
March, 1961. The Act provides for apprehension of beggars and their
detention at certified institutions. The Government of NCT of Delhi has
constituted an anti-begging squad consisting of officers of the Department
of Social Welfare and Delhi Police for apprehension of beggars and their
detention at certified institutions. The Government of NCT of Delhi has
also initiated intensive anti-begging drive at prominent begging places like
temples, red light crossings, etc. They have launched an awareness
campaign for sensitizing people against giving alms to beggars. The
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, a Central
Act, also provides for penal action against persons employing or using
children for the purposes of beggary. The Ministry of Social Justice and
empowerment also implements a Central Scheme called `An Integrated
Programme for Street Children`. The scheme provides for shelter,
nutrition, health care, education and recreation facilities to street children
and seeks to protect them against abuse and exploitation. 44,934 children
were covered under the scheme during 2004-05.
(e) No, Sir. Beggary including begging by children is sought to be prevented
through enactment of legislation by the State Governments and Union
Territory Administrations.
(f) Does not arise.
