Beggar free Indore from January 1st- Giving alms amounts to imprisonment

NDC Desk

Bhopal

After being hailed as the cleanest city, Indore has now heralded a new change with a significant policy aimed at eradicating begging from its streets. Starting January 1, 2025, individuals caught giving money to beggars will face FIRs. This decision follows an official order banning begging in the city.

Speaking to the media, District Collector Ashish Singh stated, “Our awareness campaign against begging will continue till the end of this month. If any person is found giving alms from January 1, an FIR will also be registered against him/her. I appeal to all residents of Indore not to become partners in the sin by giving alms to people “.

Indore is one of the 10 cities selected under the pilot project of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to become beggar-free. Others include Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad.

According to Project Officer Dinesh Maria, authorities have uncovered organized begging syndicates and rehabilitated many individuals. Reports revealing details such as beggars owning houses and having substantial savings underline the need for decisive steps to address not just the visible problem but also the deeper exploitation that fuels it.

Madhya Pradesh’s Social Welfare Minister, Narayan Singh Kushwaha, spoke of the efforts of one of the local organisation that has stepped up to support the government’s efforts to eliminate begging. It provides shelter for six months and develops skills to help individuals find employment.

The compassionate and firm approach of Indore is a precedence to set an example to discourage begging its commitment to dignity and empowerment, making Indore a model for progressive urban governance. Efforts as such sets an inspiring example of turning a difficult challenge into a story of hope and transformation.