Beggars stage stir seeking welfare schemes

Nellore: Beggars staged a protest in front of the Collectorate here on Monday, demanding free housing and social pensions to them for their livelihood. They also asked the district administration for identity cards for getting privileges from the government.

K Sudhakar, who organised the protest, said that majority people have been relying on begging as their livelihood option due to poverty, illiteracy and also due to various disabilities.

He said they should be provided loan of Rs 30,000 at 90 per cent subsidy besides government housing for them. Beggars also appealed to the government for pension of Rs 3,000 per month. Arava Usha, Suresh and others were present.