Scheme for rehabilitation of beggars on the anvil: Govt

A Central scheme for protection and rehabilitation of beggars is on the anvil, the government told Rajya Sabha today.

In reply to a question, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar said that national consultation meetings were held with the representatives of Central/state governments, NGOs, institute and individual experts to discuss issues about beggary.

In these meetings, it was recommended to explore the feasibility of framing a Central scheme for rehabilitation of beggars, he added.

"Accordingly, a Scheme for Protection, Care and Rehabilitation of Destitute is under formulation," Gurjar said.

According to the 2011 census, there are 3,72,217 beggars and vagrants under the age of 14 years are in the country.