Deccan Chronicle 21.12.2009

Coimbatore moves to eradicate beggary

Dec. 20: If this news could be a respite to the elite, the Coimbatore corporation is initiating efforts to curb the nuisance of alm-seekers, especially at the signals, where tapping on the cars is incessant and the commuters are forced to shell out money.

In a drive against eradication of beggary, 121 adults and 51 children who refused to give up begging and were uncooperative about rehabilitation will be remanded shortly, officials said.

R. Sumathi, assistant corporation health officer said that 317 beggars were picked up from the Corporation limits of which 163 were men and 103 women. The beggars were categorized based on their disabilities and age.

“Twenty one adults with 51 children, who refused to give up begging and wanted to be let free so that they could beg elsewhere, will be remanded first. Eighteen will be sent to the old age homes and 41 who have agreed to undergo rehabilitation will be sent to beggar homes temporarily before the Corporation assists them in getting loans to set up petty shops,” the health officer said.

As those from the other states are as many as those from Tamil Nadu, the ones wishing to reform will be sent back to their respective states, she said.