All states have been asked to develop a data base on the extent of beggary and to eliminate it rapidly, but in a ‘humane’ manner, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment D. Napolean said Thursday.
In a written reply, Napolean told the Rajya Sabha that union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik has sought the elimination of beggary, through three main ways.
One is through ‘vigorous implementation of schemes of skill development, employment, food and social security, healthcare’.
Secondly, if the state already has a law to deal with beggary, then ‘review its effectiveness, amend it to the extent necessary and implement it vigorously’.
‘If the state does not have a law presently, enact a new law on priority, to eliminate beggary in a humane manner,’ the minister said, quoting the letter.
The minister has also sought information like the estimated number of beggars in every state, number of rehabilitation homes for them and existing anti-beggary laws in place.
