The Bihar government has taken a significant step towards eradicating beggary and providing a dignified life for beggars. Under the Chief Minister's Beggary Prevention Scheme (Mukhyamantri Bhikshavritti Nivaran Yojana), beggars will no longer be limited to just shelter and food; instead, they are being made self-reliant by connecting them with self-employment.
Through this scheme, beggars produce and sell items such as incense sticks, shoes and slippers, earthen lamps and wicks, coconut brooms, and jute products in the market. Currently, a total of 19 Beggar Rehabilitation Homes are operational in 10 districts of the state.
These include Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Purnia, Saharsa, Bhagalpur, Munger, and Saran. In these rehabilitation homes, elderly, disabled, and physically challenged beggars are being provided with basic facilities such as free food, clothing, housing, medical care, counselling, recreation, and yoga.
Additionally, efforts are being made to reunite estranged beggars with their families. The government is also working swiftly on expanding this scheme. The process of establishing and operating 14 new Beggar Rehabilitation Homes is underway in East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Vaishali, Araria, Kishanganj, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Aurangabad, Katihar, Arwal, and Rohtas.
Additionally, two halfway homes are also to be established in Bhojpur district. Intending to make beggars self-reliant, the government is providing them with a one-time financial assistance of up to Rs 10,000 for self-employment.
According to the Social Welfare Department, 544 beggars have received this assistance so far. Along with this, help is provided in obtaining Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and opening bank accounts. Elderly, widowed, and disabled beggars are also being linked to pension schemes, while separate arrangements are being made for the education and skill training of children.
Currently, six Saksham Producer Groups are active in the state, where beggars are being given various skill development courses. The income generated from the sale of products made in these groups is distributed directly among the producers. This has increased self-esteem among the beggars, and they are earning through hard work instead of depending on begging.
The benefits of the Chief Minister's Beggary Prevention Scheme are available to native residents of Bihar whose lives have been dependent on begging. There is no age limit, although there are special provisions for child and elderly beggars. A certificate of financial status is required for the application, while applicants who are disabled or suffering from a serious illness must provide a medical certificate.
Interested individuals can apply by contacting the District Social Security Cell or the District Programme Management Unit (Saksham Office) in their district. After physical verification, eligible beggars are given the benefits of the scheme. This scheme is not only proving effective in curbing beggary but is also integrating hundreds of people into the mainstream of society by making them self-reliant.