Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been officially recognized as India's first beggar-free city following a year-long initiative that began in February 2024.

The campaign focused on rehabilitating approximately 5,000 individuals engaged in begging by providing employment opportunities and enrolling children in educational institutions.

The initiative has garnered recognition from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and commendation from a World Bank team.

• The campaign commenced in February 2024, targeting the rehabilitation of around 5,000 beggars, including 500 children.
• The initiative involved a multi-phase strategy, starting with public awareness campaigns, followed by tailored rehabilitation programs addressing the specific needs of different groups: habitual beggars (60%), economically or physically/mentally challenged individuals (20%), and those forced into begging, including children and drug addicts (20%).
• Children involved in begging were enrolled in schools, while adults were assisted in finding employment opportunities.
• The city imposed a ban on both begging and giving money to beggars, with legal actions taken against violators. A reward system was also introduced, offering Rs 1,000 to individuals who reported instances of begging.