“Give them identity cards, ban begging”
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has recommended issuing identity cards with unique serial numbers for the abandoned and destitute women who make Vrindavan their home.
Submitting a rehabilitation plan before the Supreme Court on Monday for the destitute women living under pitiable conditions in Vrindavan, NALSA also demanded a ban on their begging.
The proposal says it is first necessary to improve the condition of women by providing them with basic amenities such as shelter and ration card, pension and bank accounts, following which they should be taken away from begging. If they do not give up begging, they should be dealt with strictly under law, it says. Women resort to begging sometimes because they do not get their pension for several months.
Helpline facility
NALSA has also stressed the need for a helpline and a single window facility with specially trained staff and officer.
The identity cards can be issued by the Department of Social Welfare or through the proposed single window system. To eliminate discrepancy over the actual number of women living in shelter homes, the NALSA proposal — prepared by the District Legal Service Authority, Mathura — suggests that registers be maintained at all shelters and thumb impressions of women taken. This will also prevent misappropriation of funds.
In addition to setting up new shelters for women living on the streets, the proposal also recommends skill development by imparting vocational training, keeping in mind their physical condition and choice. Banks should be issued directions to disburse pension monthly.
Another proposal was submitted by the National Commission for Women, which said the resources donated to the agencies in Vrindavan were not completely utilised for their betterment.
There is an urgent need to streamline the flow of funds and their management so that the ultimate beneficiaries actually stand to gain. There is a need to audit the private agencies who are receiving funds in the name of these widows.
It has suggested creation of a “management trust,” which would be responsible for developing the infrastructure of the area, keeping in mind the aesthetics associated with the legend, since Vrindavan is believed to be Krishna Janmabhoomi and it is a national and international tourist destination.
How many widows are in Vrindava? Will the government be able to provide shelter
for all the woman? I don't think the government will grant many of the basic request
that from the proposal. It is ashamed the conditions that the woman live, moreover
the country ideology that they are worthless.
Begging is not a crime, but the way it happens in India is shameful for the society. If Indian people really were discharging their "dana" obligations, we won't have seen so many beggers all over the place: at cross roads & temples.
Please don't draw a parallel with western countries. Their pension liabilities are a result of demagoguery gone rampant, just like the way we are experimenting with MGNREGA and rights to everything acts.
Look at the raw statistics: Majority of Americans donate 10% of their income to a charity.
Would someone in our middle/upper/super rich classes be able to claim that majority donate even 5% of their income?
Shame on us.
"Begging" is not a crime. It is simply a decentralized form or channel for Indian style philanthropy, "dana". You don't need big banks, big organizations (susceptible to corruption as they are), etc., to satisfy the needy. We seem to have got into this distorted thinking because of Western influence which is a confluence of two ideas 1) there is no free meal and 2) you need to "organize" everything. Dana means the individual is well organized, well oriented, knows what he is doing, and does according to his capacity! The subject of dana is no way looked down upon nor is considered a liablity. Contrast this with Western Europe, where now pensioners are a huge social liability!!
please help this womens they are staying as detitute in birthplace of lord krishna place vridhavan. govt should provide medical as well as pension for this mothers.
can we do something for them??
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