Over 5K Beggars In Odisha With Cuttack Topping The List; Minister Reiterates Commitment To Social Equity

Bhubaneswar: A total of 5,284 individuals have been identified as beggars in Odisha and the government is working towards rehabilitating them through various initiatives, Minister of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities Nityananda Gond informed on Friday.

He shared this information in a written response to a question by BJP MLA Laxman Bag in the Odisha Assembly.

The minister further stated that Cuttack has the highest 1,060 beggars. Other districts with significant numbers include Bargarh (595), Ganjam (545), Bolangir (482), Sundargarh (417), and Puri (350). Balasore, Boudh, Deogarh, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur, on the other hand, have zero beggars. 

Reiterating the government’s commitment to social equity, Gond informed about several initiatives aimed at eradicating begging. “Socio-economic support is being provided to beggars under ‘Sahaya’ scheme, which includes scholarships, skill development training, and inclusion in self-help groups. Neeladri Nilaya in Puri and Ekamra Nilaya in Bhubaneswar, have been introduced as part of a broader rehabilitation programme,” he said.

He also mentioned about Bhikshuk Punarvas Kendra and other logistics for rehabilitation centres to mainstream beggars and uplift their children. These targeted and sustainable interventions are being implemented to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable populations, he added.