Income per capita has increased several folds in the State, and with that the influx of beggars from other states has also shown upward trend.
We have the provisions of the Prevention of Beggary Act, 1960 and Prevention of Beggary Rules. But we find no sign of any of the provisions being implemented. What is the role of the Department of Social Welfare? Should it not have children’s homes for under 14 forced into beggary? Should it not have been running homes for sick and disabled beggars who are left on the roadside? Should not the police pick up able-bodied persons given to beggary, and repatriate them to their families under an undertaking? We have the toothless Act called Prevention of Beggary Act. The Divisional Bench of the High Court, while hearing a PIL on the issue of beggary, has taken the right step of asking the DGP to prepare a complete list of beggars divided into three categories and submit the same to the court for further action. Its remarks on the functioning of the Department of Social Welfare are an indication that department has been faltering in performing its duty. Among the able bodied beggars at public places especially the bus stands ad railway stations, there are a good number of pickpockets, baggage stealers, and swindlers. Jammu is faced with a big nuisance in the form of beggars. The city needs to get rid of this phenomenon.
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