What to do with Beggars!!!

One of the most challenging aspect of living in Lucknow is the issue of beggars. We are constantly faced with beggars on busy streets. From old disable people to young able children extending their hands for money. Many won't settle for food or fruits but insist we give them money. Poverty is a reality in many parts of the world. India is not immune to poverty.

Internationally, an income of less than $1.90 per day per head of purchasing power parity is defined as extreme poverty. By this estimate, about 32.7% percent of Indians are extremely poor. Income-based poverty lines consider the bare minimum income to provide basic food requirements; it does not account for other essentials such as health care and education [Source].

Poverty in India - Statistics

• 50% of Indians don’t have proper shelter;
• 70% don’t have access to decent toilets (which inspires a multitude of bacteria to host their own disease party);
• 35% of households don’t have a nearby water source;
• 85% of villages don’t have a secondary school (how can this be the same government claiming 9% annual growth?);
• Over 40% of these same villages don’t have proper roads connecting them.

- See more at: Here

Now, I know this is a huge topic and I am not here to discuss it. The only thing I see and feel challenged is what should I do? Do I give money? Do I give raise money or not?

I spoke with some local people about this issue. I wanted to know how they thought about beggars and helping them out. These were some responses:

Don't give them money! When we give them money, we encourage them to beg more. Begging becomes a lucrative "employment".  No one will make any initiative to make a living through hard work. We are providing an easy option for them.

Don't give them money! When we give them money, we are promoting disability! Oh so I asked for further explanation. One said that parents deliberately cripple their children to gain sympathy. Without sympathy, public won't give any money to beggars. Although some beggars are disabled because of polio or lack of care during birthing, others I have been told are intentionally disabled to generate income for their families. Personally, I don't have any evidence to support this theories, but it seems possible since I heard it from few reputable nationals.

Don't give them money! It is for someone else! The money doesn't go to the beggars but to Gunda [local mafia] who controls them. While children raise money for their parents other raise money for the Gundas. When we give money to beggars, we are indirectly supporting the Gundas.

Don't give money! Give them food or fruits. Beggars heavily rely on financial monetary values. When we give fruits, they are most likely to eat it. But when we give money, they will either buy unhealthy cheap food or money will be given to someone else.

So after listening to these views, I try not to give them money expect fruits or simply ignore them. Once I gave a child some money, the next time she saw me, she came running and asking for money. I was surprised that she remembered my face.

Anyway, this is a real challenge to the whole world when it come to poverty. Every country defines their own poverty line but where do we draw the line in helping the poor. I appreciate what the government of India is doing. However, it is not only their battle but everyone's battle.

Regards
RAvi