Starting January 1, 2025, giving money to beggars in Indore will result in legal action, including the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the giver
The ban on giving alms has been extended from just child beggars to include adults as well
The Indore district administration is launching an awareness campaign to inform residents about the negative impacts of giving alms and encourage them to refrain from such actions
This initiative is part of a broader goal to make Indore a "beggar-free" city, targeting organized begging networks and addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to begging
Violators may face fines of up to ₹1,000 and possible imprisonment for up to six months under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Individuals found giving alms could face a maximum jail term of six months and/or a fine of ₹1,000
As part of the campaign, over 300 beggars have been detained and sent to rehabilitation centers, where they have pledged not to beg again
This move aligns with the SMILE initiative (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise), which aims to provide long-term solutions for individuals engaged in begging.