The Centre has sought suggestions from the Odisha government for improving draft ‘The persons in destitution (protection, care and rehabilitation) Bill 2015’, which seeks life of dignity with access to all human rights for beggars.
The anti-beggary Bill has proposed not to treat beggary as a criminal act, but destitution is an extreme vulnerable situation. People found begging should be rehabilitated through government mechanism and steered in new direction.
The State government, sources said, was in agreement with almost all provisions contained in the Bill.
“Poverty or abandonment amongst homeless persons, beggars, the differently-abled, persons with mental disabilities, the old, infirm and others in similar situations needs protection, care and support,” the draft Bill proposes.
Beggary, a social menace, will be dealt by both Central and State governments jointly. State governments are required to set up rehabilitation centres, which will be adequately staffed, for providing rehabilitation as well as vocational training for beggars. There would be separate centres for women and differently-abled.
“The existing shelters will be upgraded in such a manner that it provides comprehensive services for the rehabilitation for destitute,” the draft Bills says.
Acknowledging that destitute people, apart from training, medical support and shelter, also require emotional and psychological support and encouragement, the anti-beggary Bill also proposes establishment of counselling units where qualified persons will motivate beggars to shun begging. Counselling units will be attached to rehabilitation centres.
The Central government would create a fund with adequate budgetary allocation for the implementation of the Act and the State governments concerned will also administer the fund for the States. State laws concerning to anti-beggary will stand replaced after this Act comes into force.
