Delhi proposes vocational training scheme for beggars
For a change, the Delhi government has come up with a plan not just to make the roads look beggar-free, but also to give this expanding section a means of livelihood, so they can give up begging for good. Under this new vocational training program, beggars will be taught tailoring, handicraft and other skills that will help them earn money for a better future.
What exactly will the proposed scheme involve?
According to the plan, those living at government beggar homes will be offered such training. Those who enroll will get Rs. 250 per day to ensure their sustenance. They will also get formal identity cards, which, the government hopes, will motivate others to join the program too. At the end, those who successfully complete the course will get relevant kits, like sewing machines.
Maharashtra started a similar initiative earlier this year
This comes months after Maharashtra initiated a similar scheme for its beggars, to move 70,000 of them into the state's workforce. Elaborating, officials had said that they will begin by showing them videos of success stories of others like them, otherwise they might get demotivated and quit in days. The scheme was being led by the Charity Commission, which was supported by 20-25 individuals, NGOs and the government.
Begging is an offense in Delhi and Mumbai
Keeping aside potential results of such schemes, the least that can be said is that it's aimed in the right direction, and if implemented efficiently, can permanently cure India's homelessness. Begging is an offense in Delhi and Mumbai. Under their respective laws, beggars are often picked up and sent to government homes, but without any permanent solution, end up on roads again.
Delhi had tried tackling beggars before, but failed
In 2010, before the Commonwealth Games, Delhi had tried to solve the problem by undertaking an intense drive and sending them to homes. But lack of resources naturally meant they had to be let go. The government will put up its latest plan before the cabinet soon, it said.
