Indore: India's Pioneer Beggar-Free City

Indore has achieved the status of India's first beggar-free city. The initiative involved rehabilitating beggars by providing employment and schooling their children. Recognized by national and international bodies, the campaign is a model for eliminating begging. A reward system and legal deterrents support the effort.

Indore has reached a significant milestone, becoming the first beggar-free city in India, officials reported. A year-long campaign transformed the lives of approximately 5,000 beggars through rehabilitation efforts.

District magistrate Ashish Singh announced the success and recognized the campaign as a model endorsed by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and the World Bank. Employment opportunities were provided for adults, while children were enrolled in schools.

The pilot project, part of a wider initiative by the Union ministry to eliminate begging, saw support from different agencies and individuals who reported begging activities in exchange for rewards. Legal actions, including banning dual practices of begging and offering money, have been implemented.

(With inputs from agencies.)