Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Administration has launched an 8-day awareness campaign, inaugurated by Rajiv Verma, Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, at the UT Secretariat. The campaign focuses on eliminating beggary in the city and promoting a more compassionate way of supporting those in need.
Various departments are actively participating in this drive. The Department of Police, in collaboration with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit and the Union Territory Child Protection Unit, will conduct rescue operations. The Department of Excise will increase vigilance in market areas to curb street begging and exploitation. The Department of School Education will raise awareness across schools to educate children on the social implications of beggary. Additionally, NSS volunteers will engage the public through flash mobs to spread awareness and discourage giving alms.
Citizens are encouraged to contribute by donating winter essentials such as new socks, gloves, shoes, mufflers, scarves, and school supplies at designated ‘Neki ki Deewar’ locations: Nari Niketan, Sector 26; Old Age Homes, Sectors 15 and 43; and Snehalaya, Sector 39, from 21st to 28th October 2024.
The Adviser to Administrator urged the citizens of Chandigarh not to give alms to beggars and not to buy things from children on roads, traffic signals and round abouts so as to curb problems of begging, child trafficking and child labour. He further said that the donations made at the designated ‘Neki Ki Deewar’ locations would bring happiness in the lives of needy women, children and senior citizens. Sh. Rajiv Verma also urged the citizens that such acts of benevolence may be captured on camera and selfie be posted on social media, tagging the Social Welfare Department, UT Chandigarh with hashtag ‘Beggar free Chandigarh”. He said that let us all come forward to make the City Beautiful as beggar free city.
This campaign has been initiated by the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Chandigarh Administration. Present during the occasion were Anuradha Chagti, Secretary Social Welfare, Ajay Chagti, Secretary Health and Smt. Prerna Puri, Secretary Education along with other officials of Chandigarh Administration.