Evaluating the Socio-Economic Status of Beggars in Indian Cities

Abstract

This research delves deeply into the intricate socio-economic conditions faced by urban beggars in India, employing a combination of qualitative and deductive research methodologies. Through a carefully chosen purposive sampling approach, the data collection process involves an exhaustive examination of secondary sources, which illuminates the deeply marginalised status endured by beggars. According to the 2011 Census, the number of beggars across the nation exceeds a staggering 400,000, with West Bengal bearing the highest burden. The empirical analysis presented in this study underscores a disturbing trend of an ever-widening socio-economic gap, further exacerbated by factors such as soaring unemployment rates, widespread illiteracy, and the economic downturn brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This confluence of challenges has created an even more precarious environment for India's beggars. Of particular concern is the discord between different legislations that criminalise the act of begging and the government's initiatives, notably "SMILE," which promises collaborative efforts between authorities and civil society to reshape the socio-economic landscape for India's beggars. This contradiction reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of the issue at hand. India's beggars, as revealed in this study, face a deeply entrenched predicament. The social and economic forces working against them are formidable, with the already vulnerable group suffering the most. High unemployment rates, limited access to education, and the economic fallout from the pandemic have compounded their struggles, pushing them further into the margins of society. On a more optimistic note, the study highlights the potential for change and improvement through collaborative endeavours like "SMILE." These government-led initiatives, working in tandem with the involvement of civil society, offer a ray of hope in reshaping the socio-economic landscape for beggars. By bridging the gap between punitive legislation and supportive programs, there is potential for meaningful change, ensuring a more equitable future for India's beggar population. This research serves as a critical resource for those seeking to understand and address the complex challenges faced by this vulnerable demographic.