Bhopal Begging Ban: While charity is considered a noble deed in every faith, giving out alms to beggars in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, may land you in trouble. The Bhopal administration has banned begging in the district, terming it a criminal offence.
In addition, anyone who gives alms will also be considered an offender. The administration has issued an order stating that strict action will be taken against anyone found begging at any square or intersection in Bhopal.
The order will be applicable across the Bhopal district. The directive clearly states that individuals who beg are often involved in substance abuse or immoral activities.
What's In The Bhopal Administration Order?
The administration said in its order that beggars obstruct traffic at traffic signals, intersections, religious places, tourist places and public places in Bhopal. "It has also been seen that people from other states and cities are also involved in begging. Many such people also have criminal records and are into drugs. Apart from this, criminal gangs are also run under the guise of begging," te order read.
Numerous complaints regarding such activities have been received by the administration. As per the order, begging will now be classified as a crime in both urban and rural areas of Bhopal. Immediate action will be taken by the administration in such cases.
The Bhopal collector clarified in his order that not just begging, but even giving alms to beggars or buying any goods for them will also be considered a crime. If a person gives food, money, or any other thing to a beggar or buys any goods from him then this will also be considered a violation of the order. In such a case, legal action can be taken against them.
Begging Ban In Indore
Earlier begging was banned in Indore. The Indore administration enforced the ban from January 1 and began filing FIRs against those who give alms.
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment also launched a pilot project last year to make 10 cities free from begging. The other cities included in the initiative are Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, and Ahmedabad.