The government will give training to those engaged in begging for economic opportunities (File)
Aiming to make the capital begging-free, the city government on Monday launched a pilot project to create livelihood opportunities for beggars through training and skill-building in central Delhi.
According to a survey conducted by the Social Welfare Department and the Institute for Human Development in February, there are around 20,719 persons engaged in the act of begging (PEAB) in Delhi.
Of these, 10,987 are men, 9,541 women and 191 transgenders. East Delhi district has the highest number of PEABs (2,797).
The project will be conducted at Ashray Griha, Katra Maula Bux, Roshanara Road for men and Ashray Griha (DUSIB Night shelter), Khairia Mohalla, Roshanara Road for women.
The department has engaged Mosaic Pvt. Ltd. to provide training on food processing (jam, jelly, pickle) to women and Ashray Adhikar Abhiyan will offer training on wall painting and mobile repairing to men for a period of three months.
Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, who launched the project, said the aim of the government is to make Delhi begging-free by rehabilitating PEABs.
The Delhi government will provide skill training to persons engaged in begging so they can find economic opportunities in mainstream society, he said.
"People are forced into begging because of their social and economic circumstances. They are the most vulnerable section of society. Keeping this in mind, we conducted a survey to identify such persons and simultaneously formulate a plan through which they can be rehabilitated," a statement quoting Gautam said.
The experiences gained from this exercise will be replicated in all districts in Delhi in collaboration with stakeholders, including the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Delhi Police, Health Department, Women and Child Development Department, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, Delhi Commission for Women, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Directorate of Prohibition, Revenue Department, IHBAS, and community-based organizations working for vulnerable groups.