Unlike in Delhi, authorities here are trying to identify and train tramps with the help of psychologists
Unlike in Delhi, authorities here are trying to identify and train tramps with the help of psychologists
Noida is now bearing the brunt. Beggars, who were forced to leave the Capital during the Commonwealth Games and shifted to Noida, have become a pain for the authority. However they have decided not to pay Delhi back in the same coin. Instead, for the first time, Noida authority has come up with a plan to make these beggars responsible and sensitive citizens of the nation.
Under this plan, the authority would be identifying all the beggars and numbering them from January 10 onwards. Once all the beggars are identified, they will be gathered at a place where they will be given proper training by well known psychologists. In the brain storming session, beggars will also be asked to take up a vocation instead of begging.
Back and forth
Noida City Magistrate, Sanjay Chauhan said: "Before the Commonwealth Games, most of the beggars were thrown from Delhi into Noida. Some of them managed to return back but most of them have stayed on. As a result of this the problem of beggars has increased in Noida. Due to this, the entire crime graph in the area is also going up. Though earlier we decided to throw them back into Delhi, we then thought that it would be a never-ending process. Moreover we were looking for a permanent solution."
"So we came up with this idea of making the beggars responsible citizens. We will be hiring psychologists who would guide them to leave begging and rather earn a livelihood. This is happening for the first time in the Delhi-NCR region. We are expecting about 2000-2500 beggars to attend this seminar. Proper food and shelter will be provided to all those attending the meet," Chauhan added.
Unsporting conduct!
During the Games, human rights activists and NGOs blamed the Delhi government for forcing hundreds of beggars to leave the city or remain invisible till the Commonwealth Games were over.
"We had confirmed reports that many of the poor were forcibly asked to leave the Capital and go the neighbouring areas. But that was not a solution. The real answer lies in what the Noida authority is planning to do now," said Indu Prakash Singh of Indo-Global Social Service Society.
According to an estimate by the Social Welfare Department, there are around 60,000 beggars in Delhi. Of them 30 per cent are below 18 years of age, 69.94 per cent are males and 30.06 per cent are females.
With this drive, Noida residents also feel that the move will help reduce the crime graph in the city and save them from encounters with beggars at every street corner. "I think this move will definitely make Noida a safer place to live in. Though it would be a daunting task but if carried out successfully, it would be a great achievement," said Sonal, a resident of sector 19.
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Step by step |
After facing allegations of rounding up beggars during the Commonwealth Games, the Delhi government is also drafting a new legislation to facilitate various welfare measures including rehabilitation, shelter and even vocational training to them. The government is also in the process of creating a detailed database of beggars to finalise allocation of funds for various welfare schemes for them. The government is also considering setting up schools across the city for child beggars. |