Beggars and Policy Discourse in India: Searching for a Solution of an Age-Old Marginality

What is it about?

Despite numerous economic reforms in India since independence, poverty remains pervasive, leading to a growing number of beggars. Beggars are commonly found in crowded places like temples, mosques, and transportation hubs. Our survey highlights their deplorable conditions, exacerbated by issues such as inequality, unemployment, unequal resource distribution, illiteracy, and inadequate healthcare. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse the situation. We have also tried to highlight the subaltern voices of the child beggars. In most cases, instead of rehabilitation, the government often punishes beggars. There is no nationwide anti-begging law in India, yet states continue to use their own anti-begging laws, such as the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959. This indicates the state’s failure to ensure social security for beggars. Despite significant government expenditure on beggar welfare, their condition remains unchanged due to poor planning. This chapter finds that most beggars are completely unaware of government policies and have not benefited from them. During field studies, it was realised the urgent need for a comprehensive national intervention policy to address the social issue of begging. States should adopt policies aimed at enhancing the skills of beggars. Moreover, it is crucial to provide proper education for child beggars to secure their future. Unlike the colonial rulers of India, who did not focus on the welfare of beggars through anti-poverty laws, the present democratic government must take responsibility for providing food, shelter, skill development, and employment opportunities for beggars.

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Photo by Jonathan Kho on Unsplash

Photo by Jonathan Kho on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This chapter finds that most beggars are completely unaware of government policies and have not benefited from them. During field studies, it was realised the urgent need for a comprehensive national intervention policy to address the social issue of begging.

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