In what should be perceived as a distressing development, about 60 per cent of the beggars put up in the rehabilitation centres, after they were rescued, are found to be suffering from mental illnesses and depression, according to an observation made by the Karnataka Legislature Committee on Woman and Child Welfare.
Tabling a report at the opening day of the Legislature session here on Tuesday, the committee headed by MLA Shakuntala Shetty, said that many also suffered from skin diseases, though basic facilities were being provided to the rehabilitated beggars at the centres. However, steps were being taken to address their health concerns. As many as 14 such rehabilitation centres are functioning in the State. The report assumes significance in the wake of increase in begging among women and children in the recent times.
The Committee had asked the government to track the beggars rehabilitated and appoint service-minded staff to ensure their welfare. Some of the reasons for the people to indulge in begging are laziness, lack of shelter and diseases. The problems could be addressed if they were reunited with their families, the committee noted. To facilitate this, counsellors were being recruited on outsource basis, the report stated.
A proposal to recruit 304 posts involving various cadres has been mooted to improve administration in the rehabilitation centres. The police had also been given powers to arrest beggars - women over 18 years and men over 16 years - inquire into their antecedents and if found genuine, obtain permission from the magistrates to rehabilitate them, the committee noted.
