Admn takes measures to curb begging

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 12

In order to curb begging in the district, the Jalandhar administration has decided to constitute a special squad.

A decision to this effect was taken by Varinder Kumar Sharma Deputy Commissioner, Civil Judge (Senior Division)-cum-Secretary District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Gurmeet Tiwana and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Gautam Singhal, during a meeting held here at the District Administrative Complex.

Expressing concern over the problem, especially amongst children, they said it was creating a nuisance in the district.

So it was decided that strict action must be taken against those involved in begging, besides making concerted efforts to ensure their rehabilitation.

It was also decided that the squad comprising of officers from Police and Civil Administration would nab the beggars and take action against them.

As per Juvenile Rehabilitation Act, the children involved in begging would be sent to welfare/detention homes and special homes.

Likewise, twin strategy of prevention and rehabilitation would be adopted for other beggars.

It was apprised of in the meeting that habitual beggars could be imprisoned for three years.

Any person forcing a child for begging could be sentenced to five years of imprisonment.

During the joint initiative of the Administration, Judiciary and Police all-out efforts would be made to wipe out the curse.

A special awareness campaign would be started soon to senistise the officials against the begging.

***BOX: It was apprised of in the meeting that habitual beggars could be imprisoned for three years.

***Any person forcing a child for begging could be sentenced to five years of imprisonment.