Firm on eradicating beggary from state

BANGALORE: “Beggars’ land (123 acres) will be used for agricultural purposes, and the profit earned from it will be used for the development of Beggars’ Rehabilitation Centres,” said Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, after visiting the centre at Sumanahalli on Magadi Road.Flagging off six auto trolleys with the message, ‘Giving Alms is Crime’ an awareness initiative, the CM said, “After visiting the centre, I feel very happy about the developments that have taken place in the past two years. We have to ensure that all the facilities are being given to the inmates. Also, those involved in beggary should be brought to the society’s mainstream through relief and rehabilitation.” Congratulating the 25 inmates who have secured jobs in private organisations, he said, “It is good that 25 inmates from the centre are now working for private organisations. More inmates should now come forward and live happy lives.” Gowda said the state was first in the country to provide Aadhar cards to beggars.Viewing the telemedicine system and 64 CCTV cameras which were installed in the centre, he said, “Facilities like clean and fresh food, hot water for bathing and washing machines have been provided in the centre. Awareness and yoga programmes are also conducted for the inmates. I thank all the officials for taking care of these things.”He added, “ The government is trying hard to eradicate beggary in the state. According to Section 3 of Karnataka Prohibition of Beggary Act 1975, beggary is prohibited and we are making beggary a punishable act.  According to a survey, there are 7,600 beggars in the city, out of which 1,742 (1,362 males and 380 females) are in 14 rehabilitation centres. The state has enough funds as 3 per cent of beggary cess of welfare of beggars, is being utilised for the welfare of beggars across the state,” Sadananda Gowda added.The Chief Minister also released the pamphlets, to create awareness about beggary. Aadhar and job cards were distributed to the 25 inmates. Minister of Social Welfare A Narayanaswamy and president of Central Relief Fund K A Ramalingappa were present.