Vibha Verma
They are growing at the rate of 191% more than our dream GDP of 9%. And they are doing so with meticulous planning, great acting straight out of a drama school and with outstretched hands. Sadly, it’s the fastest growing industry in Goa and completely manpower intensive- begging.
They are seen everywhere. Be it in one’s neighbourhood, outside restaurants, bus stands, markets, and roads. With hundreds of beggars seen in the capital every day, begging for alms has no recession.
According to a preliminary study by Institute of Public Assistance (Provedoria), the number of beggars has increased 200 times in the past two years with a majority are beggars from outside the State. And no where is this menace more than in the capital Panjim.
The State authorities say that they are in a catch 22 situation as the begging rackets mask the genuine homeless and mentally ill who beg for a living.
“A proposal for setting up the Remand Home for Beggars will help in combating the beggar menace in Goa and provide sufficient amenities so that beggars might have a dignified life,” reads an extract from the proposal, accessed by Herald.
However, obviously this report speaks about the ‘genuine’ beggars and does not take into consideration the professional ones.
Goa Police records indicate that as many as 150 beggars are arrested every year, but in the absence of a dedicated remand-cum-shelter home, local courts release them after imposing a penalty.
“Neither the police nor the court can take any further action. They are produced before a magistrate on being arrested for begging, but are let off by paying a fine amount. The next day, you see the same beggars back on the streets seeking alms,” a senior police officer said on the condition of anonymity.
Absence of a rehabilitation centre has encouraged street beggars who continue seeking alms without fear of the law. This includes organised begging syndicates that run the racket unabated, police say.
The Institute of Public Assistance (Provedoria) had recently proposed setting up a Remand Home for the Beggars on the 30750 sq mts land at Chimbel, where two separate institutes for Alzheimer and psychiatric patients is soon to come up. Sources at the Secretariat confirmed that the proposal is under consideration and is awaiting financial sanction.
As per the proposal, the centre will accommodate 100 beggars who will undergo various recreational activities, in a bid to desist them from going back into the begging racket again.
