GUWAHATI: In a sweeping initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Guwahati is set to bid farewell to street beggars by 2026.
Guwahati, renowned for its religious significance, is one of 10 cities prioritised among the 30 identified for survey and rehabilitation effort under the Centre’s sub-scheme – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises (SMILE), a national daily reported.
The ambitious plan aims to collaborate with district and municipal authorities to identify beggary hotspots and transform these spaces into beggar-free zones.
Guwahati, along with other cities, will reportedly witness a focused effort on supporting adults, particularly women and children, engaged in begging.
Under the guidelines, not only will city administrations be involved, but the respective religious trusts or shrine boards will also play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process.
Already underway, the action plan has been distributed among city administrations, with funds released to respective authorities based on the roadmap.
The comprehensive strategy involves a thorough survey, mobilisation, rescue, relocation to shelters, and holistic rehabilitation through education, skill development, and ultimately, employment.
Guwahati shares this ambitious journey with nine other cities of religious significance, including Ayodhya, Kangra, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Somnath, Pavagadh, Trimbakeshwar, Bodhgaya, and Madurai.
Apart from these religious cities, the initiative extends to prominent tourist destinations such as Vijayawada, Kevadia, Sri Nagar, Namsai, Kushinagar, Sanchi, Khajuraho, Jaisalmer, Thiruvananthapuram, and Puducherry. Historical cities like Amritsar, Udaipur, Warangal, Cuttack, Indore, Kozhikode, Mysuru, Panchkula, Shimla, and Tezpur are also part of this impactful campaign.
Earlier in June 2023, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had asked the city administration to provide immediate accommodation and income opportunities for beggars on Guwahati streets, particularly those staying under the Ulubari flyover.
