They wait at traffic lights and solicit donations from onlookers. Some of them even turn to beg at retail entrances and other public locations. The residents of Srinagar City now find this to be a significant annoyance. It is past time for the administration to move swiftly to end the menace of begging. It wouldn’t be a hyperbole to say that governments haven’t done much to combat the problem of begging, and the current administration is no exception. Many things can be done, beginning with locating such people and making sure they receive the necessary assistance.
Some of the beggars might be unemployed and homeless, and they might require help with their daily needs for food, clothing, housing, and medical attention. Since nearly 99 per cent of the beggars who are spotted throughout the city are not locals, it is necessary to provide them with the same in addition to keeping an eye on the influx of such people from several other states of the nation.
Even if they are able to enter the Valley and begin their easy job of begging, the government can still track them down, stop them from panhandling, and provide them with the support they need while placing a larger emphasis on returning them to their original locations. Additionally, if necessary, the officials could see to it that these people are recruited for training in a variety of skills so they can become self-sufficient and support themselves and their families—but only in the event that begging is not their business but rather a necessity.
It is imperative that the government utilise a variety of strategies to address the problem the city is currently experiencing. The administration must act right away to prevent the beggars from occupying the traffic signals and impeding traffic movement at the same time. To prevent beggars from congregating in the city’s key locations, the cops should be stationed at traffic signals. Additionally, it might make it illegal to beg in public areas, which would aid in reducing the annoyance. The administration has a responsibility to find a solution because the people of Srinagar deserve to move in peace, at the very least. The administration’s reaction must include both restrictions and corrective actions. Only then will the threat be lessened, protecting Srinagar City’s inhabitants’ safety.
