Bhopal’s Beggar-Free Push Falters As Numbers Rise Instead

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 18:52 IST

Bhopal’s Collector admitted the campaign against begging has slowed recently but said a renewed drive will begin after festivals to address the issue

Citizens have urged the administration to implement permanent solutions, such as providing employment opportunities. (AI Generated)

The aspiration to transform Bhopal into a “beggar-free city” has once again fallen short. Despite prior efforts and administrative claims, reports indicate that the number of beggars has been on the rise at key intersections, temples, and public areas across the city.

According to recent reports, large groups of beggars can be seen in places such as New Market, Board Office Square, Vyapam Square, Jyoti Talkies, Bittan Market, temples, and bus stands. Many of these beggars pretend to sell goods, but their primary intention is to solicit money from passersby, holding items like incense sticks, Raksha Sutra, brooms, or other inexpensive products. If refused, some of them become rude, causing inconvenience and a sense of insecurity among the public.

Local residents express frustration, claiming that concrete steps are not being taken by the administration to address this issue. A campaign launched by the Bhopal administration aimed at making the city “beggar-free” saw many beggars being sent to shelter homes. However, reports indicate that once the campaign ended, these individuals returned to the streets.

Bhopal’s Collector acknowledged that the campaign has slowed down recently but stated that a renewed effort will commence after the festivals to tackle the beggar problem.

Nevertheless, local citizens remain sceptical, believing that these measures amount to mere “paperwork”. They have urged the administration to implement permanent solutions, such as providing employment opportunities or improving facilities in shelter homes, to rehabilitate beggars effectively. Citizens have insisted that serious efforts are needed to realise the dream of making Bhopal a clean, organised, and “beggar-free” city.

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