MARGAO: Despite a noticeable increase in the number of beggars in South Goa, particularly in areas like Margao and Fatorda, the police stations in the district have reportedly booked only 166 cases under the Goa Prevention of Begging Act from January to December 17, 2023.
Margao, Fatorda, and Vasco have become hotspots for beggars, with some carrying emaciated young children while asking for alms or selling various items at traffic signals and busy junctions. This trend not only poses traffic hazards but also disrupts smooth vehicular movement.
The commercial capital of Margao is the worst affected. Only 106 cases have been booked by the police here under the Prevention of Begging Act from the beginning of 2023 until December 17. The Fatorda police booked 7 cases, while 51 were registered at the Vasco police station. However, police stations in Maina-Curtorim, Colva, and Cuncolim did not book any cases during this period.
“Apart from disrupting smooth traffic flow, beggars in Margao encroach on footpaths to reside and rest, thereby preventing pedestrians from using the pavements,” says Margao resident Milind Raikar. Manoj Hede, another Margao citizen said that the number of beggars across Salcete continue to rise, with people seeking alms at virtually every traffic signal and place of worship. He called on the police and the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) to remove beggars from the streets and rehabilitate them. “In Margao and Fatorda, many vagrants use infants and toddlers to beg, and also target people stopping at petrol pumps and market areas,” he said. Senior advocate Priyesh Madkaiker explained the legal process under Section 5 of the Goa, Daman, and Diu Prevention of Begging Act, 1972. The court conducts an inquiry, and if satisfied that a person was begging, it may order detention in a Certified Institution for one to three years.
If the person is not likely to beg again, release on a bond for good behaviour is possible. Section 6 allows punishment for begging, ranging from two to three years, with a possibility of 10 years’ detention for subsequent convictions. However, no such case of punishment has been reported in Goa under Section 6.
