After Indore, Bhopal bans begging at public places

The recent decision by Bhopal's district collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh to completely ban begging across all public places within the district follows a similar move by Indore.

The actions taken by both cities reflect a broader initiative aimed at eliminating begging and addressing its root causes. In Indore, the local authorities have taken a particularly tough stance, introducing strict measures that include filing FIRs against people who give alms to beggars, and even penalising the act of purchasing goods from beggars. This tough approach is aimed at rehabilitating beggars and curbing the practice entirely.

Singh issued the order prohibiting begging on Monday evening under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, a law aimed at public safety. The move comes as part of a broader effort to address concerns around begging in public spaces, particularly at traffic signals, where beggars have been observed engaging in criminal activities and drug use. The order highlights the risk posed by their presence, as it can cause accidents and disrupt traffic flow, posing a threat to public safety.

The decision to prohibit begging is part of a larger trend seen in various cities, including Indore, which has taken similar steps to address the issue. The authorities argue that banning begging is necessary not just for public order, but also for the safety of those involved in begging, as it aims to help remove them from potentially dangerous situations like drug dependency and criminal behavior.

However, critics might point out that the focus should also be on providing support systems and rehabilitation for those affected by poverty, homelessness, and addiction, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

While these measures are seen as part of a larger social reform effort, such policies are also raising questions about the effectiveness of criminalising acts like giving alms. Some argue that these steps might overlook the underlying issues of poverty and the lack of adequate social welfare programmes, which contribute to begging in the first place.

Both cities are focusing on rehabilitation programmes for beggars, but the success of these initiatives will depend on the availability of support services, like housing, education, and employment opportunities, to provide long-term solutions for those affected by poverty.

The bans on begging and almsgiving, while controversial, are a response to the growing desire in these cities to restore order and manage public spaces, with the hope that rehabilitative measures will follow.