Starting from January 1, 2025, the authorities in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, have implemented a strict new policy: individuals who give alms to beggars will be subject to FIRs (First Information Reports). This measure is part of a broader initiative aimed at making Indore a “beggar-free” city. The District Collector, Ashish Singh, has clarified that begging in public spaces is banned in the city, and the local administration has taken a firm stand against it.
The goal is to discourage the act of giving alms to beggars, as this practice perpetuates the problem of begging. Instead of supporting the beggars directly, residents and visitors are encouraged to contribute to welfare programs designed to rehabilitate people in need. To raise awareness, the administration is running a public awareness campaign to educate people about the social and legal consequences of encouraging begging. Indore aims to create a cleaner, more organized urban environment, where citizens can contribute in ways that foster long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness.