Anti-Beggary Drive in Patna: Eight Elderly Shifted to Old Age Home

Patna: A rescue operation was carried out at Patna’s Mahavir Temple on Friday as part of the Chief Minister’s Beggary Prevention Scheme, following directions from the district magistrate. The operation, led by Assistant Director of the District Social Security Cell, Sneha, involved magistrates, police officers, and officials from various departments.

During the operation, officials engaged with several beggars, informing them about the scheme’s provisions and facilities. Eight elderly individuals, all aged 60 or above, were moved to the Sahara Old Age Home.

Patna’s district magistrate highlighted that four shelters, each with a capacity of 50, are operational in the district to rehabilitate beggars. These shelters aim to integrate individuals into mainstream society and connect them with government welfare schemes. The magistrate noted that an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 professional beggars in Patna are targeted for rehabilitation under the scheme.

Speaking on the initiative, the district magistrate emphasised the need for sustained efforts to rehabilitate beggars and provide them with livelihoods. Previously, beggars rehabilitated through the scheme showcased and sold handmade items, including jute bags, earthen lamps, incense sticks, spices, and slippers, at stalls organised by the district administration.

Describing beggary as a “stigma on modern society,” the magistrate called for vigilance and commitment from all stakeholders. Regular meetings of the district-level task force were also mandated to strategise efforts. Public awareness campaigns, including banners, posters, and hoardings, are being planned to promote the scheme widely.

The Chief Minister’s Beggary Prevention Scheme, described as a flagship initiative, aims to eradicate beggary entirely. “Every individual has the constitutional right to live with dignity and respect, as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution,” the district magistrate said, urging residents to pledge to make their surroundings beggar-free.

Departments including social security, police, railway police, child protection, education, health, and labour have been directed to collaborate on the effort. The Deputy Development Commissioner of Patna will oversee implementation.