The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to make the capital city free from beggars wandering on the roadside ahead of the festive season.
A decision in this regard has been taken in a special meeting held under the chairmanship of BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange.
As per the decision, the beggars will no more beg on the roadside or in front of the temples in Bhubaneswar. As many as three special squads have been formed to ensure that the capital city is free of beggars.
These squads consist of members of ZDC, Zonal CO, CMMU managers, various agencies, the police, and other officials.
If any beggar is found begging on the roadside, he will be taken away by the squads. The squad will regularly visit the areas under their jurisdictions to check begging activities at the temples and places of worship during festivals.
The beggars will be kept in five rehabilitation centre under BMC. The BMC currently has five rehabilitation centres located at Rang Bazar, Andharua, PWD Colony, Dakkua and Niladri Vihar.
The move has been undertaken to ensure the safety of the citizens and pilgrims in the Capital City. As many as 100 beggars could be accommodated in each centre.
Moreover, some beggars have been sent to their family following discussion with their family members. If any family sends an abandoned tenant to beg again, strict action will be taken against them, the BMC has warned.
Notably, BMC has been planning to make Bhubaneswar beggar-free for the last few years. However, BMC’s planning has not been materialised yet.