To address the issue, the state government has launched several initiatives aimed at eradicating begging. Two key projects, ‘Neeladri Nilaya in Puri and ‘Ekamra Nilaya’ in Bhubaneswar, as part of a broader rehabilitation programme have been introduced.
Bhubaneswar: A total of 5,284 individuals have been identified as beggars in Odisha, according to Nityananda Gond, minister for social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The minister shared this information in a written response to a question by BJP MLA Laxman Bag during the State Assembly session on Friday.
Cuttack has the highest number of beggars, with 1,060 individuals recorded. Other districts with significant numbers include Bargarh (595), Ganjam (545), Bolangir (482), Sundargarh (417), and Puri (350).
To address the issue, the state government has launched several initiatives aimed at eradicating begging. Two key projects, ‘Neeladri Nilaya in Puri and ‘Ekamra Nilaya’ in Bhubaneswar, have been introduced as part of a broader rehabilitation programme.
Minister Gond reiterated the government’s commitment to social equity, emphasising that targeted and sustainable interventions are being implemented to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, the Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed uproar on Friday, with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress MLAs protesting over various issues. Speaker Surama Padhy initially adjourned the House until 12 PM due to the commotion. However, as chaos continued—particularly over farmers' concerns raised by BJD legislators—the session was suspended again until 4 pm.
