Question : Problem of Begging

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2726
TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.12.2021
PROBLEM OF BEGGING
2726. SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is trying to focus on human approach rather than punitive action to control the increase in the number of beggars in the cities, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is contemplating to draft a model bill so as to bring a permanent solution to this problem, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government has launched any pilot project for the same in the recent years, if so, the details thereof and the fund allocated for the same during the last two financial years?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)
(a): Yes Sir. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme “SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”, which includes a sub-scheme - ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’. This scheme covers several comprehensive measures including welfare measures for persons who are engaged in the act of begging. The focus of the scheme is extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counseling, basic documentation, education, skill development, economic linkages and so on. Persons engaged in the act of Begging are to be covered under the scheme.
(b): No Sir
(c): Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has initiated pilot projects on Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons engaged in the act of Begging in seven cities of the country including Delhi, Patna, Nagpur, Indore, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Lucknow. These pilots are being implemented in these cities by State Governments/UTs/Local Urban Bodies and Voluntary Organizations. Several comprehensive measures including survey and identification, mobilization, basic hygiene and medical facilities, providing basic documentation, counseling, rehabilitation, education, skill development and sustainable settlement of persons engaged in begging are undertaken under these pilots. Details of funds allocated under this pilot project are attached in Annexure.
*****
Annexure

Annexure referred to in reply to Part (c) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2726 to be answered on 14.12.2021 regarding ‘Problems of Begging’

Sl No. City Name Total funds allocated
(Rs. in crore)
1 Delhi 6.0
2 Bengaluru 4.0
3 Nagpur 4.0
4 Hyderabad 4.0
5 Indore 3.0
6 Patna 3.0
7 Lucknow 3.0
Total 27.0


*****