NHRC Advisory For Begging Menace

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has issued an advisory to the Centre, State governments, and Union Territory (UT) administrations to address the issue of begging and improve the lives of those involved.

About Begging

Begging is the practice of imploring others to grant a favor, often a gift of money, with little or no expectation of reciprocation.
Major reasons for begging:
- Lack of Income: The primary reason for begging is extreme poverty, where individuals lack the financial means to meet their basic needs.
- Unemployment: High unemployment rates and lack of job opportunities force many into begging as a last resort.
- Disabilities: Physical disabilities can limit employment opportunities, leading individuals to beg for survival.
- Loss of Breadwinner: The death or absence of the primary earner in a family can push other members into begging.
- Human Trafficking: Some individuals, especially children, are forced into begging by traffickers or organized criminal groups.

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Eight Key Areas of Action to Address Begging in India

Area of Action	Description
Identifying and Supporting Individuals Engaged in Begging.	Conduct a survey to create a national database of people who beg. Include details about their physical, mental, and social background. Regularly update this information.
Rehabilitation	Provide shelter homes with essential services like food, clothing, and healthcare. Help people get identity cards, ration cards, and bank accounts. Offer mental health counseling and addiction treatment services as needed.
Legal and Policy Framework	Draft a National Policy to protect those who beg. This policy should include financial assistance, job training, and ways to help people reintegrate into society. Strengthen laws against human trafficking to prevent forced begging.
Collaboration	Work with NGOs, civil society organizations, and the private sector to support rehabilitation efforts. Encourage NGOs to help people form self-help groups to start their own businesses.
Access to Financial Services	Provide financial assistance to help people support themselves after rehabilitation. Encourage banks to offer loans to people who have completed training programs.
Awareness Generation	Educate the public about the welfare programs available to those who beg. Discourage giving money directly to beggars and instead, direct them to support services. Launch campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of forced begging.
Education	Enroll children involved in begging in government or private schools. Ensure they receive free and compulsory education as mandated by law.
Skill Development	Provide skill training to people in shelter homes based on their abilities and interests. Partner with government- approved training centers to offer these programs.

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Conclusion

Addressing begging requires a multifaceted approach, emphasizing identification, rehabilitation, legal support, collaboration, financial services, public awareness, education, and skill development to reintegrate individuals into society.

Mains Practice Question:

Q. Despite numerous welfare programs, begging continues to persist in India due to deep-rooted socio-economic vulnerabilities. Analyze the key factors contributing to this challenge and suggest policy measures to address this issue. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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