In a surprising move to eliminate begging, authorities in an Indian city will begin registering police cases against individuals who give money to beggars, starting January 1, 2025, according to media reports.
The initiative aims to make Indore the first city in India to be declared “beggar-free.”
The district administration has announced that an awareness campaign will continue until the end of December. However, from January, legal action will be taken against those found giving alms, marking the enforcement of a city-wide ban on begging in Indore.
This effort is part of a central government pilot project targeting the rehabilitation of beggars across ten cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. The initiative aims to reshape the lives of those who depend on begging while maintaining Indore’s reputation as a model urban center.
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The campaign is being supported by Madhya Pradesh’s Social Welfare Department and local organizations. According to officials, a local organization will provide six months of shelter to beggars while helping them secure employment opportunities.
Indore authorities believe this dual approach—combining enforcement with rehabilitation—will not only eliminate begging but also create pathways for vulnerable individuals to reintegrate into society.