The Disability Rights Association of Goa has urged the Advocate General not to mislead the High Court on the issue of non-Goan beggars and has called for immediate action against an alleged organised begging racket operating in the state.
The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has urged Advocate General Devidas Pangam not to make what it described as misleading statements before the High Court regarding the issue of non-Goan beggars in the state.
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Responding to the Advocate General’s reported submission that non-Goan individuals travel to Goa during the tourist season for begging, DRAG alleged that many of them are brought to the state by organised networks engaged in exploiting vulnerable people.
The organisation claimed that begging in Goa is allegedly controlled by a well-organised racket involving the exploitation of women, children and persons with disabilities. It further alleged that vehicles routinely transport beggars to designated locations in various towns and cities, a practice that it said is widely known among residents.
DRAG contended that unless the Goa Police takes decisive action to dismantle the alleged begging syndicates and identify those responsible for operating them, it would be difficult to address the issue effectively.
The association also questioned why non-governmental organisations should be expected to undertake the rehabilitation of non-Goan beggars when, according to it, the government does not provide financial assistance for such efforts.
Calling for immediate intervention, DRAG demanded that the authorities crack down on the alleged begging mafia and take steps to return non-Goan beggars to their native states in accordance with the law.
The organisation maintained that a comprehensive approach targeting those allegedly exploiting vulnerable individuals, rather than only the beggars themselves, is necessary to resolve the issue.
