Aizawl: The Mizoram Assembly has passed a Bill to prohibit beggery in the state amidst objections by opposition members.
Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Lalrinpuii introduced the ‘Mizoram Prohibition of Beggary Bill, 2025, on Wednesday (August 27).
Lalrinpuii stated that the objective of the Bill is not only to prohibit begging but also to assist and rehabilitate beggars by offering sustainable livelihood options.
She said there are concerns that beggary is increasing in Mizoram, although the state is very fortunate to have very few beggars due to its social structure, involvement of churches and NGOs and the welfare measures and schemes being implemented in the state.
However, there are growing concerns that the number of beggars is on the rise. With the new railhead at Sairang-Sihhmui, there are also fears of an influx of beggars from outside the state, she said.
The railway line is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13.
She said that with proper regulatory frameworks in place, the government can keep the state free from beggary.
The minister said that the government will form a state-level ‘relief board’, which will set up receiving centres for temporary retention of beggars. Beggars will be first kept at the receiving centre and they will be sent to their native homes or states within 24 hours, she added.
Citing a recent survey by the Social Welfare Department, Lalrinpuii said more than 30 beggars, including non-locals, were identified in Aizawl.
Opposition members, including MNF leader Lalchhandama Ralte, said the Bill is detrimental to the Christian faith and will bring bad reputation to the state. They instead suggested a robust community involvement to stop beggary.
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Chief Minister Lalduhoma said the prime objective of the Bill is to help and rehabilitate beggars with the collective help of the government, NGOs and churches to ensure that the state is free from beggary.
The Bill was passed by the legislature after prolonged deliberation involving 13 members, including Lalduhoma.
