Begging on the streets will be made a punishable offence

Gujarat Police has proposed to make begging on city roads a punishable offence to ensure smooth flow of traffic and protect citizens from harassment. The proposal is based on successful initiatives in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, where several departments are working together for state-wide implementation. Beggars have become an increasing menace to traffic at busy places. The proposed law aims to make roads safer by providing a humane solution to this persistent problem. The ban will be implemented first in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot and will be expanded across the state. It balances safety concerns with the rehabilitation of children and vulnerable adults caught in the begging net. Additional DGP Ajay Chaudhary explained the safety rationale behind the move. It is not just about maintaining cleanliness but also about public safety. Begging at crowded places creates traffic congestion, which increases the risk of accidents. Commuters often face harassment, beggars bang on car windows, and in some cases misbehave with motorists when alms are not given. We are committed to ensuring that the policy is implemented without inconvenience and with sensitivity towards those forced to beg, he said. The proposal addresses the growing complaints of motorists about aggressive behaviour at traffic signals and its impact on road safety. Police sources confirmed that the proposal includes rehabilitation before sentencing. The state government is providing shelter homes and educational assistance in collaboration with the social justice department, education department and NGOs. The plans include setting up more shelter homes, cracking down on begging mafias and creating exit routes from exploitation. The focus is on addressing the root causes rather than criminalising poverty.

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