Opinion | Begging: The Societal Stigma! 

Begging is social menace which determines the practice of soliciting alms or other forms of help from others with little or no expectation of reciprocation. Begging has explicitly two flavours–one that is of their own choice to be on the path of begging.Other they are forced into begging for various reasons.

     I recently had the privilege of witnessing the countless beggars compelling each commuter in the bustling markets of kupwara and capital city and my attention was drawn to the small kids demanding for alms through their tender hands almost stirred my emotions.

In the face of mounting challenges, Ministry of social justice and Empowering supported marginalized Individuals for livelihood and enterprise under broader scheme–SMILE which includes sub-schemes, central sector scheme, for comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of begging. The scheme extensively covers, provision of medical facilities, counseling, education and economic linkages.

Under comprehensive survey, govt had launched a programme, “Bhiksha Mukt Bharat”which aims to make India begger-free by 2026.However, a recent surge in the presence of near Jami Masjids, traffic junctions,public places, parks, banking outlets, markets etc has prompted the decision tto launch new campaigns to eradicate begging.

Begging is associated with poverty as one can be considered as a beggar if he/she has no visible means of subsistence and is wandering about or remaining in an public place in such a condition or manner as makes it likely that the person doing so exist soliciting or receiving alms. It is pressing issue that has plagued societies and this act of begging frequently occurs at busy intersections. This unfortunate situation is most prevalent in cities like, Batmalo, lalchowk, and other main cities in kashmir where children often operate in groups and are coerced into begging by their parents or human traffickers for financial gain.

 The islam eloquently explains the emphasis on making effort and earning ones own living rather than going out ask others for it for no reason. Begging is not a desirable action according to Islam, but only allowed in severe form of need. The Prophet Mohammed (SAW) once said, none of you should refuse a person who seeks something from you and should give him/her something even if he sees two gold bracelets on his/her arm.

As frequently observed some poor persons may exaggerate concealing their destitute conditions inorder to preserve and maintain their own dignity. In doing so they try not to let their dignity violated or hurt even if they were given something in subtle and courteous way. Begging is permissible for one whose property has been destroyed by a calamity which has smitten him, for him begging is permissible till he gets what will support life or will provide him reasonable subsistence.

Putting it in succinct, every member of society must be a productive member and not to ask people for their properties or money. Begging has negative and harmful effects on beggar itself he loses his dignity and his normal place in society and become unacceptable to do any normal job. This  grave concern has almost engulfed the entire societies in its web.

Qysar ul Islam Shah teacher by profession and Colomunist.