Odisha News: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Feb 14: The Odisha government has identified 5,284 beggars across the state and is actively working towards making Odisha beggar-free through various rehabilitation initiatives, Minister of ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Nityananda Gond informed the Assembly.
Responding to a written query by MLA Laxman Bag during the Budget Session, Gond stated that Cuttack has the highest number of beggars at 1,060, followed by Bargarh (595), Ganjam (545), Balangir (482), Sundargarh (417), and Puri (350). He emphasized that the state government is committed to providing socio-economic support to help them reintegrate into society.
To achieve this objective, the government has launched various initiatives, including dedicated rehabilitation centers like ‘Niladri Nilaya’ in Puri and ‘Ekamra Nilaya’ in Bhubaneswar. These centers provide shelter, vocational training, and basic necessities to help beggars find alternative livelihoods.
Additionally, the state is conducting awareness campaigns and collaborating with NGOs and local bodies to provide employment and social security benefits. The government remains determined to eradicate begging and uplift vulnerable communities through structured rehabilitation programs.
