In a surprising discovery, a recent survey by the District Urban Development Authority (DUDA), the Municipal Corporation, and the Social Welfare Department has revealed that many beggars in Lucknow are financially better off than several professionals. Some even possess smartphones and PAN cards, challenging common perceptions about the economic conditions of the city's beggars.

The survey found a total of 5,312 beggars in the city, including individuals whose monthly earnings can reach up to `80,000-90,000 - especially pregnant women.

The survey is part of a broader campaign to identify beggars and connect them with government welfare schemes. Authorities are documenting their details and registering them for Aadhaar cards to help integrate them into mainstream society. The data collected has brought several startling facts to light.

Initiated under the direction of Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob, the survey aims to understand the backgrounds and living conditions of beggars with a focus on rehabilitation. Findings reveal that many of these individuals originate from nearby districts such as Barabanki, Sitapur, Hardoi, Rae Bareli, Unnao, and Bahraich. Despite owning homes in their villages, many choose to live on the streets of Lucknow, adopting begging as a way of life.

Women earn more from begging

The survey found that women, particularly those who are pregnant or accompanied by young children, tend to earn the most from begging. Their daily income can reach up to `3,000, while elderly people and children typically earn between `900 to `2,000 daily. Besides cash, these individuals often receive food, clothes, and other essentials from well-wishers.

Reports suggest that certain groups encourage women to have multiple children, believing that pregnancy attracts more donations from the public.

As a result, many female beggars have as many as eight or nine children. Based on these findings, officials estimate that with an average daily earning of `1,200 per beggar, residents of Lucknow collectively distribute over `63 lakh in alms each day.

One case highlighted by a project officer involved a pregnant woman with six children, whose earnings significantly increased during pregnancy, reaching as high as `80,000-90,000 per month.

Among the survey's findings, a concerning trend has emerged in areas like Charbagh, where many beggars have been identified as drug addicts. These individuals were reluctant to reveal information about their drug suppliers, raising suspicions of potential drug syndicate operations in the area. The survey also uncovered the existence of organised begging syndicates, where begging appears to be a coordinated activity rather than an act of individual desperation.

From compulsion to profession

What may begin as a means of survival has evolved into a lucrative profession for many. DUDA Project Officer Saurabh Tripathi pointed out that only a small percentage of beggars in Lucknow beg out of genuine need. Approximately 10 percent have been identified as professional beggars, travelling to Lucknow from nearby districts like Hardoi, Barabanki, Sitapur, and Rae Bareli for this purpose.

"Our aim is to understand the identity of the beggars, their origins, and whether any groups are coercing them into begging. We want to assess if they would be willing to abandon begging, if provided with work opportunities," Tripathi explained.

Municipal Commissioner Inderjit Singh emphasised the importance of the survey, stating, "Let's wait for the final report. This survey focuses on five main crossings in the state capital. Our objective is to eradicate begging in Lucknow, but we cannot formulate effective strategies without solid facts and figures. We aim to address the root causes of begging, which is why this survey is crucial. Once we analyse the report, we will develop a targeted strategy to combat the issue."

This revelation has sparked discussions among officials and citizens alike, raising questions about the dynamics of begging in the city and the need for more focused social welfare initiatives. While authorities work to integrate these individuals into government programs, the findings shed light on a complex reality underlying daily life in Lucknow.