Authorities sit on begging menace

Srinagar, Jun 1: Failure of authorities to take steps for preventing begging at public places is causing inconvenience to commuters.

Several groups of people said that growing begging menace has assumed horrendous dimensions. They said beggars are present in public, private transport and other public places in city center.

“We are unable to move around with ease. The issue has become a nuisance as we see every signal and public place occupied by groups of professional beggars forcing themselves on people for alms,” said Irfan Ahmad, a commuter.

The locals said that they are all for charity and helping needy. “But there are unscrupulous person who are part of the mafia posing as beggars. This has affected needy who are deserving,” they said.

They said that beggars roaming around public places, educational institutes force people to give them alms. “Outside Kashmir University, Hazratbal, it has become so inconvenient to move around. There are groups of persons posing as beggars who ask for alms from students,” said Sahil Ahmad, a student.

The commuters said that these beggars force themselves on vehicles, which can lead to accidents or death. They said this is also a hindrance to the smooth flow of traffic.

The locals said that “over the past years, the district administration has imposed a ban on begging around public and religious places.” However, they said, on the ground, it is not being applied.

A few days back, a video surfaced on social media in which people allege that thieves are infiltrating public buses, including smart city buses, and indulging in theft.

“Only yesterday, a video was viral in which people alleged thieves are snatching valuables from gullible passengers, including gold, in public transport,” said a passenger

They said some anti-social elements use this as cover, and it has affected those who are in real need of charity.

An official said that the Department of Social Welfare has conducted several anti-beggary and child labor drives to address the issue.

“We continue to carry out such drives to address the issues under our jurisdiction. We have rescued dozens of children who were indulging in beggary and child labour,” said