In a significant move, the Gujarat police have proposed making begging on roads a punishable offence. This proposal aims to ensure smooth traffic flow and protect citizens from harassment. The initiative is inspired by successful efforts in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, where similar laws have improved road safety.
Traffic congestion in crowded areas often worsens due to begging. It can lead to accidents and makes it difficult for drivers and pedestrians alike. Beggars often knock on car windows, and in some cases, drivers face abuse if they refuse to give money. To address these issues, the police want to introduce a law that first targets major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot before expanding it across the state.
Ajay Chaudhary, Additional Director General of Police, explained the reasoning behind this proposal. He highlighted that it is not only about maintaining cleanliness but also about ensuring public safety. The presence of beggars in busy areas can create serious traffic jams and increase the risk of accidents. Passers-by frequently report feeling harassed as they navigate through crowds.
The police are committed to rolling out this policy without causing additional inconvenience to those forced to beg. They aim to approach the situation with sensitivity, acknowledging the underlying issues that lead individuals to beg. The proposal has come after a rise in complaints from drivers about aggressive begging at traffic signals and its impact on road safety.
The state government has been collaborating with the Social Justice Department, the Education Department, and various NGOs to provide shelter and educational support for those affected. Plans include creating more shelters, taking action against begging mafias, and providing pathways for individuals to escape exploitation.
Instead of criminalising poverty, the focus will be on addressing root causes. A senior police officer mentioned the current efforts to rescue children and teenagers trapped in begging rings. Many of these children have been successfully rescued from Ahmedabad’s streets, and the police are helping to enroll them in schools.
The police have stated that they will follow up to ensure these children do not drop out of school. The Human Trafficking Anti-Unit and traffic police will play a key role in implementing the new law. Recently, discussions were held with UNESCO officials to protect these vulnerable children and address public concerns about harassment at traffic junctions.
Gujarat police have worked closely with officials from Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, where similar laws have seen improvements in traffic conditions. Authorities assure that legal actions will be taken against offenders, but genuine cases of distress will be handled with care, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The proposed law represents a shift in how the state views begging. The police aim to balance public safety with compassion for those in need, ensuring that while the streets remain safe, individuals are not criminalised for their circumstances. The goal is to create a safer and more humane environment for all citizens in Gujarat.
Leave a Reply