Over 5200 beggars identified in Odisha; Cuttack tops list with 1060

A total of 5,284 individuals are engaged in begging in Odisha, informed Nityananda Gond, Minister for Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. 

Gond disclosed the figures in a written reply to a query by BJP MLA Laxman Bag, during the State Assembly session on Friday.

Minister Gond’s report reveals that Cuttack records the highest number of beggars, with a total count of 1,060. Other districts with notable figures include Bargarh (595), Ganjam (545), Bolangir (482), Sundargarh (417), and Puri (350).

The Minister further informed that in a bid to eliminate begging across the State, the government has launched several initiatives. Two notable projects include Neeladri Nilaya in Puri and Ekamra Nilaya in Bhubaneswar, which are part of the initial phase of this comprehensive programme.

Minister Gond emphasised the government’s commitment to transforming the socio-economic landscape through targeted and sustainable interventions. The state continues to strive towards social equity, ensuring support systems for vulnerable populations, he added.

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Meanwhile, the Odisha Assembly today witnessed uproar by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress MLAs over several issues. Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House till 12 pm following the ruckus.

However, the Speaker had to adjourn the House again till 4 pm amid pandemonium by BJD legislators over farmers' issue in the state.