Niladri Nilaya Yojana To Free Puri Of Beggars

Puri: To free the Pilgrim Town of beggars, the Puri district administration will soon be starting a project, Niladri Nilaya Yojana.

It will be launched with assistance from the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department.

Collector Balwant Singh chaired a review meeting on the proposed scheme on Sunday to discuss the modalities of the project, which will gather momentum with counselling of the beggars from March 3.

Under this project, eight Niladri Nilaya or rehabilitation centres will function in Puri. At least 50 beggars would be rehabilitated in each Niladri Nilaya. Apart from providing food and shelter facilities, the administration will provide them with avenues to earn a living.

“We will try to contact the family and relatives of each beggar. Our officials will counsel the beggars. There would be special care for differently-abled, old and mentally-challenged beggars,” Singh said.

The Collector has asked the officials and members of some voluntary outfits to exercise sensitivity and care while dealing with the beggars.