SC notice to Centre, Delhi Govt for poor state of beggar homes

Counsel for the petitioner Indira Sawhney pointed out that though the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 was extended to Delhi in 1961 after framing of relevant rules, the beggars were lodged at these homes without bare necessities like proper food, shelter and medicare.

The petitioner, who conducted a survey at these beggar homes, requested the Court to direct the respondents to arrange for visits by committees to these centres and ensure proper and clean shelter, food and clothing.

She said the authorities should take steps to provide vocational training to the inmates with provision for minimum allowances for work done by them during the course of the training and work shops.

It also said the Government should carry out media campaign to discourage begging as every year more and more beggars were being admitted to these centres.