Kozhikode: Following the ban on begging, Koduvally municipality is now planning a free meals scheme for aged beggars. The municipal authorities said meals would be given to the needy from next month with the support of sponsors and hoteliers in the area.
“Along with free meals, we will give free treatment and palliative care to aged beggars who faced setback owing to tightened rules,” municipal chairperson K. Shareefa told The Hindu . She added that the service would be open to all including displaced beggars and financially backward groups.
Since 2017 beggary has been under strict control in the municipal limits following a rise in complaints of involvement of beggars in anti-social activities and thefts. The complete ban was imposed two months ago after the council members agreed with the proposal and came out with a formal order.
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For the proposed medical facility, the municipality will earmark ₹10 lakh in the first phase from its own fund. Services of doctors and para-medical staff too will be made available at special clinics planned for wanderers and destitute people. For the free meals scheme, special counters will be opened for issue of coupons. The enrolled hoteliers will be allowed to reimburse the coupon amount from the municipal office.
Ms. Shareefa said the ban on beggary was equally applicable to door-to-door vendors, taking into account residents’ safety. “A separate awareness campaign is now under way in the municipality to sensitise the public to the menace,” she added.