Indore Issues Prohibitory Order to Combat Begging; Why Administration is Tough?

Indore Collector and District Magistrate Mr. Ashish Singh has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Act 2023 to prevent begging in Indore district and eradicate this social issue. Under Collector Singh's initiative, the district aims to become a beggary-free area.

Previously, the Indore district administration had enforced a ban on begging from January 1 to February 28. However, begging resumed in the city on March 1.

According to the new order issued by Collector Singh, all forms of begging are now completely prohibited in the district. Additionally, giving alms or purchasing goods from beggars is also banned. Legal action will be taken against anyone who provides items or money to beggars in violation of this order.

Similar order found effective

This order is effective from today, March 10, and will remain in place until May 8. Violators, including individuals, institutions, or organizers, will face consequences under Section 223 of the Indian Code of Justice 2023. Notably, a similar order was issued in January, which was extended due to its effective results.

Residents are encouraged to report any instances of begging to Mr. Dinesh Mishra, Project Officer of the Women and Child Development Department, at Mobile Number 9691494951. If the report is verified as accurate, the informant will receive an incentive of one thousand rupees.

Various departmental teams have been established to combat begging in Indore, actively working to halt the practice. This initiative has been publicized through social media, digital platforms, and print media. So far, approximately 354 adults involved in begging have been rescued and sent to Sevadham Ashram, while about 45 children have been placed in a Child Care Institute (CCI).

Drive is part of govt's SMILE project

Indore’s anti-begging drive is part of the government’s SMILE project (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise), launched by the Union Ministry of Social Justice. The program aims to eliminate begging in cities by providing long-term solutions.

The ban on begging is part of a broader effort to clean up the city and dismantle organized begging networks. Singh noted that many beggars are part of illegal groups and are coerced into this lifestyle. "We’ve already broken up several such groups, and many individuals have been rehabilitated," he stated.