Odisha's 'Sahaya' Scheme Aims to Eradicate Beggary

The Odisha government identified 5,318 beggars, with Cuttack leading at 1,060. The 'Sahaya' scheme, initiated in 2017-18, supports self-employment and rehabilitation. Five districts are now beggar-free, and rehabilitation centers are planned to aid this transition.

The Odisha government has identified 5,318 beggars across the state, with Cuttack district recording the highest number at 1,060, according to a report presented in the Assembly during the budget session.

Minister Nityananda Gond detailed that the 'Sahaya' scheme, aimed at rehabilitating beggars into self-employment, has been operational since the 2017-18 fiscal year. The initiative involves identification and training to provide sustainable livelihoods, spanning various districts.

Remarkably, districts such as Balasore, Boudh, Deogarh, Jagatsinghpur, and Jajpur have achieved beggar-free status. The government is also focusing on establishing rehabilitation centers to further support this social welfare mission.