Indore: Giving money to beggars may now land you in jail as city terms it a crime starting next year

Indore’s district authorities have announced strict measures to eliminate begging in the city. From January 1, 2025, residents found giving alms to beggars will face legal action under an order issued by the administration. District Collector Ashish Singh stated this during a press briefing on Monday.

Awareness campaign to continue until December

An ongoing awareness campaign will run throughout December to inform residents about the new rules. “Our awareness campaign against begging will go on in the city till the end of this month. If any person is found giving alms from January 1, a First Information Report (FIR) will also be registered against him/her,” Singh said.

Appeal to residents

The administration has urged citizens to avoid giving alms, highlighting the broader implications. “I appeal to all residents of Indore not to become partners in the sin by giving alms to people,” Singh added.

Efforts to expose organized begging

In recent months, authorities in Indore have uncovered gangs involved in organized begging. Steps have been taken to rehabilitate individuals who were forced into begging as part of these operations, according to the district administration.

Part of a national pilot project

Indore’s initiative aligns with a pilot project by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The project, aimed at making 10 cities in India beggar-free, includes Indore as one of the chosen cities.

The new measures reflect the administration’s commitment to addressing the root causes of begging while working toward long-term solutions.