Delhi govt strives to discourage begging

New Delhi, Feb 11: Delhi government has issued an appeal to denizens not to give alms, warning both begging and giving alms are offences in the national capital.

Just because people were giving alms, begging had become an occupation that was attracting more and more people, state government's Social Welfare Department said.

''People are unknowingly also encouraging innocent children being used for begging.'' Besides, beggars were obstructing smooth flow of traffic, especially at traffic signals, and also indirectly helping crime on the street to increase.

''So before you decide to be generous and give alms to anybody, remember that you are making the person a beggar for life.'' Delhi being a business and tourist hub attracted beggars from nearby states. To solve this 'social crime', the Mumbai Anti-Begging Association 1959 Act had been extended to Delhi.

Under this Act, the department had opened ten homes and one rehabilitation centre, in which 1,302 beggars had already been rehabilitated.

At these centres, such people were provided clothing, place to stay, food, bed and bedding, education, medication and entertainment.

They were also given vocational training in tailoring, cutting, weaving, washing, printing, carpentry, candle-making, plumbing and soap-making.

''The effort is to make beggars independent and able to contribute to the society as responsible citizens. By this process they gain self-respect and lead a decent life without turning to begging ever again"!

UNI