For many, almsgiving is seen as a moral duty or a religious act. However, social workers argue that this well-intentioned practice sustains the cycle of begging rather than providing a lasting solution.
The Assam government’s promise to make Guwahati a beggar-free city by 2025 under its larger vision for urban development has been met with scepticism from both residents and social welfare experts. While the objective of eradicating begging aligns with creating a progressive and inclusive society, the complexities of the issue highlight that achieving such a target within the stipulated time frame may be a distant dream.
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Begging in Guwahati, like in other cities, has deep socio-economic roots. Poverty, unemployment, displacement, and lack of access to education and healthcare drive individuals, including children, to the streets. Despite multiple governmental schemes aimed at uplifting the underprivileged, Guwahati's streets continue to witness a rise in beggary, compounded by systemic loopholes and a lack of public awareness.
For many, almsgiving is seen as a moral duty or a religious act. However, social workers argue that this well-intentioned practice sustains the cycle of begging rather than providing a lasting solution.
The Assam government’s initiative aligns with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s nationwide ‘Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises’ (SMILE) scheme. The mission targets 30 cities, including Guwahati, aiming to eradicate beggary by 2026. Assam’s Social Welfare Department has committed to making Guwahati beggar-free by 2025.
Talking to GPlus, an official from the Social Welfare Department explained, “Despite rescue operations, many beggars escape from shelters and return to the streets. The lack of sufficient rehabilitation centers exacerbates the problem.”
To understand the challenges on the ground, GPlus spoke to individuals directly impacted by the initiative.
A 15 year-old boy begging in Lachit Nagar said, “I was taken to a shelter home in Fatasil Ambari, but the conditions were terrible—poor hygiene, no proper food. I couldn’t stay there, so I returned to the streets.”
Such incidents reflect a larger issue with the quality of care at rehabilitation centers. Poor conditions and lack of empathetic treatment push many to abandon these facilities.
Children living on the streets represent a particularly vulnerable group.
Talking to GPlus, an NGO worker explained how many children turn to begging to survive, often falling prey to addiction. “They sniff substances like dendrite or take to gambling as a way to numb hunger and escape their reality,” said the worker. Addiction to toxic substances is a growing crisis among street children in Guwahati, underscoring the need for immediate intervention.
During an investigative drive, GPlus observed instances of entire families returning to the streets despite being offered shelter. Mothers with infants were seen in areas like Paltan Bazaar, claiming that shelter homes failed to provide basic facilities or safety.
One woman with a toddler in tow shared, “The shelter home was overcrowded and dirty. It is easier to survive on the streets than live in such conditions.”
An official from the Assam Social Welfare Department admitted to the shortcomings. “We lack adequate infrastructure. Most of our existing rehabilitation centers are overcrowded and understaffed. Plans are underway to construct more centers, but we need greater support to ensure these facilities meet the needs of the homeless,” they said.
NGOs working in Guwahati play a crucial role in bridging the gaps left by government initiatives. Organisations provide food, education, and addiction counseling to street children and beggars. However, they too face limitations in resources and reach.
Talking to GPlus, a volunteer from an NGO said, “The problem is systemic. We can’t address begging by simply removing people from the streets. Unless there’s a focus on education, skill-building, and mental health support, people will always return to begging.”
Talking to GPlus, a local shopkeeper in Paltan Bazar said, “I often see the same children begging every day. I used to give them money, but now I understand it doesn’t help. The government needs to do more to educate the public about this.”
The Assam government’s promise to make Guwahati beggar-free by 2025 is undeniably a noble vision, but its realisation requires more than just policy announcements. It demands consistent effort, better infrastructure, collaboration with NGOs, and public cooperation. While significant steps have been taken, the gap between intent and implementation remains wide.
As Guwahati marches toward its goal of becoming a beggar-free city by 2025, critical questions loom over the ambitious plan. Will the government’s initiatives truly address the root causes of beggary, or will they only result in temporary, surface-level fixes? Are the rehabilitation centers equipped to provide humane living conditions and effective support to those they shelter? What steps will be taken to ensure children on the streets are protected from addiction and exploitation, and can they be integrated into mainstream education and society?
Can a shift in mindset and a collective refusal to support street begging break the cycle of dependency? Will Guwahati’s citizens and NGOs collaborate effectively with the authorities to create lasting solutions for the city’s most vulnerable?
With just over a month or two left until the 2025 deadline, the path forward is filled with uncertainties. While the government’s resolve to eradicate beggary is commendable, the city’s progress will ultimately depend on addressing these questions with urgency, compassion, and sustainable strategies. Guwahati must decide—will it rise as a model of social reform, or will this vision remain another unfulfilled promise?
