MAPUSA: The consumer rights forum GOACAN highlighted the need for an action plan to address the issues related to begging in Mapusa as it is affecting the merchants and consumers at large.
GOACAN in a letter to Deputy Collector and SDM Mapusa Gurudas Naik, pointed out that the beggars, including children, are approaching the vendors, consumers and even tourists at the Mapusa Market, KTC bus stand and taxi stand.
The forum stated that although the police have made efforts to deal with the problem they are confronted with the issues linked to the support and follow up from allied departments, agencies and institutions.
Further, the GOACAN mentioned there is a requirement for a beggars’ home in North Goa District as well as various other provisions of The Goa, Daman and Diu Prevention of Begging Act, 1972, which needs to be implemented.
The forum strongly urged the Deputy Collector to convene a joint meeting of all concerned authorities such as Town Police, Traffic Police, Mapusa Municipal Council, Directorate of Social Welfare, Transport Department, Directorate of Women and Child Development among others to chalk out an action plan in the interests of the merchants and consumers and the welfare of those forced into begging.
