Ahead of the festive season, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday decided to make the city beggar-free. The decision was taken at a meeting of the civic body chaired by its Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange.
Beggars will no longer be allowed to seek alms along roadsides or near temples. To enforce this, three dedicated squads have been formed. If a beggar is found on the streets, a squad will take him/ her away.
These squads will conduct regular patrols in their respective areas of jurisdiction, ensuring that begging activities are not taking place near places of worship during festivals.
The beggars will be housed in five rehabilitation centres managed by the BMC. These centres are located at Rang Bazar, Andharua, PWD Colony, Dakkua and Niladri Vihar. Each centre can accommodate up to 100 beggars.
Furthermore, in some instances, beggars have been reunited with their families after discussions with their relatives. The BMC has sternly warned that any family found sending a previously-abandoned member back to beg will face strict consequences.
