The Hindu 08.06.2010
Drive to rehabilitate beggars begins
Staff Reporter
SEEKING BASIC NEEDS: Mayor M. Subramanian speaking to a woman before she was taken to a rehabilitation centre.
CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation on Monday launched a drive to rehabilitate beggars in the city.
Inspecting the rehabilitation initiative, Mayor M. Subramanian said, “They will be monitored by experts and efforts for their rehabilitation will start soon.”
A total of 38 persons found begging were taken to a special ward at the Communicable Diseases Hospital, Tondiarpet, for diagnosis of diseases, treatment and counselling.
The civic body had set June 5 as the deadline for people to stop using children for begging. The gang using children for begging seems to have suspended its operations in the city, said Mr. Subramanian. A total of 18 NGOs in Chennai would share their resources and expertise for the rehabilitation efforts of the civic body.
Rotary Club has promised to sponsor rehabilitation of 200 beggars, said Mr. Subramanian. “These persons will not be allowed to suffer on the streets. We will categorise them according to the findings of doctors. Training and employment opportunities will be made available to young persons among those identified,” he said.
Those who are forced to become beggars receive help from the Corporation with the support of NGOs and other government departments, said Mr. Subramanian.
The civic body would give priority to rehabilitating women carrying babies for begging. The short stay homes under the control of the Central Social Welfare Board would house five women in each of the seven homes.