GHMC gears up to make Hyderabad beggar-free

Rajendranagar: The Circle Level Committee is gearing up to tackle social evil, the menace of begging, under Rajendranagar circle limits. In its recent first meeting, the committee members comprising 21 representatives including officials from Police, Traffic, Revenue, Labour, Civil Supplies, Health Departments, GHMC, She Teams and from NGOs discussed different issues including rehabilitation of beggars. According to GHMC officials, as part of the National Campaign against begging and to rehabilitate the persons involved in seeking alms, the government of India has selected 10 cities including Hyderabad to implement the programme.

"It is against this background that circle wise committees are being formed consisting of local corporators and social activists to assist the committee members in identifying the alms-seekers and ensure their comprehensive rehabilitation. Though the campaign was launched on February 22, the Rajendranagar circle level committee was formed on February 27 to implement the programme," informed a higher official.

A meeting in this regard was conducted where it was discussed ways to turn Hyderabad a complete "Beggar-free Zone" and an action plan towards rehabilitation of the people involved in begging.

"Panhandling for alms at signals and colonies is a blot on the society. This social evil should be addressed with a sense of urgency to retain the past glory of the splendid city of nobles. To discuss the various aspects behind the panhandling business, a meeting was held here in office of the GHMC Rajendranagar and all the attendees expressed their views in unison," informed Mohammed Misbahuddin, corporator Shastripuram Division, who is also a member of the circle level committee.