Beggars are because of us.

I always wondered that somewhere we are responsible for the beggars on the streets of India. The survival instincts of the human race are by far the best, there is no denying that. So, if each one of us stops paying these beggars, then they will be forced to look somewhere else for their daily bread. It is because we pay them, they highly depend on us, and do not work for their daily bread, also their number keeps on increasing. Its not uncommon to hear cases of children being stolen and forced to become beggars. Not only children, women as well as men also face the same fate at times. Stories of even amputation of limbs have come to light, in order to be pitied at, and earn more from begging.

So, if we stop paying the beggars, will their number actually decrease? Won't they resort to criminal activities? Well, the possibility cannot be completely ruled out. But, isn't it the duty of the Police to keep a check on the criminal activities? Also, what assurance do we have that these beggars aren't criminals? Its a possibility that they apart from being beggars are also thieves, cheaters etc.

The another question that springs to the mind is, what about the physically challenged beggars, where will they go? I would say, just look around you, travel in a municipal bus once and you will realise. There are so many diverse, physically challenged people who work to earn their daily bread. I remember when I was in 11th standard, I used the PMT at times to travel to college, and believe me, there were two blind men and one lame man who used to travel to their work place every morning in the same bus and that too without any assistance from anyone.

I was discussing the same issue with a friend recently. We were seated in his car, when a young, healthy looking woman, in her late twenties, carrying a child came up to us to beg. I stopped him from paying her, I found her healthy enough to fend for herself and her child. He said, its not easy for them to get a job, I said its not easy even for us, graduates from reputed schools, to land in a job. I never said that getting a job is easy, but atleast its not impossible. There are so many daily wage labourers, and there is always a want for more. There are NGOs setup to help these people find jobs, help them bring that change in their life, so that they start living a more dignified life.

So think about it before you pay a beggar the next time. Its our responsibility as well to make a difference. Well this is my take on the issue, do post in your views as well, I will be glad.