Set up in 2010, shelter home fails to attract beggars

Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 17

Though the district administration had set up a shelter home, Rain Basera, for beggars and homeless in 2010, beggars can be seen almost everywhere in the city.

The problem is more prominent in areas around the Golden Temple where they can be seen harassing tourists by seeking alms.

A shopkeeper near the Golden Temple said: “Some even force tourists to give alms to them. They do not let them go before getting something.”

He said it reflects badly on the reputation of the city and the administration needs to implement the Prevention of Begging Act seriously.

Though the administration does conducts drives to round up beggars and transport them to the shelter home but the activity too has not been of much help in checking the menace.

“After leaving the shelter home, they again return to their work as there is no dearth of people who would give alms out of pity,” said a Red Cross official associated with the shelter home.

Besides areas around the Golden Temple, beggars, including small children, can be seen risking their lives at various chowks in the city. At Novelty Chowk, a large number of children can be seen seeking alms till late in the evening.

A driver, Mangat Ram, said: “Sometimes a driver is not able to see a child coming towards his vehicle to seek alms and it might result in a mishap.”

He said such children were not only risking their own lives but commuters’ also. He said at least the traffic police must not allow such activities on roads.

Residents suggested that though the shelter home too has not helped much in checking the menace, a person spotted begging for the second time should be seriously dealt with.

“The administration must ensure rehabilitation of beggars and if a person is found indulging in such activity, he should be punished as per law,” said Janak Raj, a senior citizen.