A meeting under the chairmanship of Smt. Anuradha S. Chagti, CCS, Secretary, Social Welfare was held at U.T. Secretariat, Chandigarh to discuss key issues related to beggary in the Chandigarh. During the meeting, the advisory issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Protection & Rehabilitation of Individuals engaged in begging was discussed in detail, with a special emphasis on its recommendations to address the issue of beggary and the underlying factors contributing to it.
The implementation of the SMILE Scheme, formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was also a focal point of the discussions. The scheme aims to provide comprehensive rehabilitation, education, and skill development opportunities for beggars, in line with the government's vision of eradicating the beggary.
The Chairperson, Smt. Anuradha S. Chagti, provided clear directives to the departments and stakeholders present, emphasizing a coordinated approach towards making Chandigarh a beggar-free city. She stressed the importance of awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on the need to avoid giving alms to beggars through print as well as digital media, as this would help curb the human trafficking networks that often operate behind such activities.
Smt. Chagti further highlighted the urgent need for public cooperation and urged all citizens to play an active role in eliminating the menace of beggary. "By not giving alms to beggars, we not only discourage this practice but also disrupt the human trafficking rackets that exploit vulnerable individuals for begging," she said.
The Secretary also directed the involved departments to ensure effective implementation of awareness drives, rescue drives, shelter facilities, and rehabilitation initiatives. Further steps will be taken in line with the compliance of the Chairperson as the administration is committed to working with all stakeholders to bring meaningful change and ensure the well-being of those affected by beggary in Chandigarh.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various departments, including the Department of Education, Municipal Corporation, Estate Office, UTCPS (Union Territory Child Protection Society), DCPU (District Child Protection Unit), Department of Health, Department of Technical Education, Department of Public Relations, Department of Police as well as members from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Committees, Beopar Mandal, and other stakeholders