Move To Make Odisha Capital Beggar-Free Ahead Of Festive Season

Bhubaneswar: With the festive season approaching, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has chalked out plans to make the state capital free from beggars.

A decision to make the city streets beggar-free was taken in a special meeting held under the chairmanship of BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange, sources said on Tuesday.

As per the plan, steps will be taken to prevent the beggars from begging on the roadside or in front of the temples in the capital city. Three special squads have been formed to ensure that the capital city remains free of beggars.

These special squads consist of members of ZDC, Zonal CO, CMMU managers, various agencies, the police, and other officials.

If anyone is found begging on the roadside, he will be taken away by the squads. The squads will regularly visit the areas under their jurisdictions to check begging activities at the temples and places of worship during festival.

The beggars will be accommodated in five rehabilitation centres of the BMC located at Rang Bazar, Andharua, PWD Colony, Dakkua and Niladri Vihar. Each rehabilitation centre can accommodate as many as 100 beggars.

The move has been undertaken to ensure the safety of the citizens and pilgrims.

This apart, some beggars have been sent to their respective families following discussion with their family members. If any family sends its member to beg again, strict action will be taken against them, sources said.

It may be noted here that the BMC has been planning to make Bhubaneswar beggar-free for the last few years.