Beggars

• India, with 1.3 billion people, grapples with economic challenges such as unemployment, inflation, poverty, and rising prices. 
• Chronic joblessness fuels poverty and undermines human values, driving people towards begging. 
• The government attempted to repeal the Act by introducing the Persons in Destitution (Protection, Care, and Rehabilitation) Model Bill, 2016. 
• The bill proposed eliminating the Beggary Act and suggesting the establishment of rehabilitation centres for the destitute in every district.

Schemes for Beggars:

• SMILE-75 Initiative: To establish a comprehensive support system for the holistic rehabilitation of individuals involved in the practice of begging.

Conclusion: Vulnerable groups consist of individuals who have a higher probability of experiencing poverty and social isolation compared to the general population. In India, various mechanisms, laws, institutions, and organizations have been established to foster the development and advancement of these vulnerable groups, aiming to achieve social justice and provide equal opportunities across all sections of society.