Indore Takes Bold Step: No Alms, No Begging from 2025

Indore is known to be India’s cleanest city. Now, a new rule that bars the gifting of alms to beggars is all set to come into existence. From January 1, 2025, those who will offer money to beggars will be booked under law, and their FIR will be lodged in the police station. This initiative is part of a broader effort to eradicate begging and is aligned with the Union government’s SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme, which aims to make cities beggar-free.

District Collector Asheesh Singh has declared that an awareness campaign to be held in the district throughout December 2024 will highlight the adverse effects of almsgiving. He made it clear that from January 1 onwards, strict action would be taken against those who continue to give alms. An order under Section 163 of the Bombay Police Act would be issued prohibiting almsgiving to both minors and adults.

This included finding organized gangs that exploited individuals to beg and already undertakes significant action, including identification and rehabilitation of the identified beggars. Since July, over 35 children involved in begging have been rescued and placed in government shelters.

Indore is one of the cities chosen by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the pilot project to eliminate begging. The SMILE scheme focuses on comprehensive rehabilitation measures, including medical facilities, counseling, education, skill development, and economic linkages, aiming to provide sustainable solutions for those in need.

According to the 2011 Census, there are nearly 4.13 lakh beggars and vagrants in India, indicating the importance of long-term collective efforts toward solving the problem. According to the administration, through a ban on almsgiving, the vicious circle of begging can be ended and the issue dealt with sustainably.

Citizens and tourists in Indore should abide by the new regulations in order not to incur any legal consequences and contribute to the city’s creation of a beggar-free place.