The Telangana State Prisons Department kept its promise and handed over the first cash prize for spotted a beggar. The State has been adamant to make the State beggar free and announced a cash prize of Rs. 500 for anyone who gives information about beggars on the street. On Wednesday, the Telangana State Prisons Department awarded Rs. 500 Vemula Sai Krishna in Kachiguda for spotting a beggar. The Director of Prisons Telangana V. K. Singh gave the money to Krishna.
Krishna called and informed the department about a group of beggars near the Venkataramana theatre in Kachiguda. Following this, the authorities detained the six beggars and relocated them to a rehabilitation home. The authorities began this crackdown on beggar just before the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) was held in the city. The GES was attended by many dignitaries and foreign delegates. The U.S. President’s daughter Ivanka Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the GES as well.
Officials reported that the beggars were released after fingerprints and photos were taken from each of them. If the homeless are caught begging in the city will be arrested under Prevention of Begging Act 1977. The accused will receive a jail term ranging from six months to five years. Earlier, the then city Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy issued a notification stating the ban on begging would last for two months. But later it was decided the ban would continue even after the GES.
The Prisons Department has stated it is committed to succeeding in a beggar free city. The beggars are set free after signing the undertaking. The ones who do not sign but possess educational or technical qualifications, the Prisons Department will employ them. V. K. Singh said, “If they are sick, we are getting them hospitalized and taking care of them. This is a comprehensive package.”
By the 15th of December, 316 male and 164 female beggars were rehabilitated at the Anand Ashrams in Chanchalguda and Cherlapally Prisons. But a huge number of the beggars were released after signing the undertaking.
To inform the department about beggars in the city call 040-24511791 and 040-24527846.
