New Delhi: An NHRC advisory issued on Friday urged the Centre and state governments to implement comprehensive measures aimed at eradicating begging and improving the lives of individuals engaged in it. Despite previous efforts, begging remains widespread in India, with over 4.13 lakh beggars and vagrants recorded in the 2011 census.

The advisory calls for the development of a national database and the formulation of a policy to protect and rehabilitate beggars. Key recommendations include drafting welfare schemes with financial aid, vocational training, and employment opportunities. Continuous monitoring and a legislative approach to address forced begging and human trafficking are also emphasised.

It also recommended undertaking sociological and economic impact assessment to legislate an anti-human trafficking law to curb any racket of forced begging. "This law should identify beggary as one of the root causes of human trafficking and insert penal offences against the perpetrators."

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is tasked with creating a standardised survey format to collect detailed information for the national database. Begging individuals identified through this process are to be relocated to shelter homes (as mentioned under the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise or SMILE scheme) and issued identity cards. This should be updated regularly on an online portal accessible to all stakeholders, the statement said. Special attention is to be given to vulnerable groups such as children, women, elderly, persons with disabilities, and substance abusers.

Furthermore, the advisory recommends enrolling begging children between the ages of six and 14 and involved in begging in schools under the Right to Education Act and providing vocational training in collaboration with recognized centres. NGOs are encouraged to assist shelter home residents in forming self-help groups and accessing loans for self-employment.

State governments are urged to initiate campaigns against organised or forced begging, involving anti-begging cells comprising NGOs, civil society groups, and human rights defenders.

Overall, the NHRC advisory seeks a coordinated effort to eliminate begging and enhance the well-being of those involved, reflecting a comprehensive approach to social welfare and human rights protection.

PTI