Amendments to the anti-begging law in Punjab have been given the green light, introducing significant changes to how vagrancy is addressed within the province. These revisions, which were recently approved by the Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Legislation and Privatisation, have brought about stricter measures aimed at curbing begging activities.
Begging has now been classified as a non-bailable offence in Punjab, marking a shift in the legal landscape. The amended Vagrancy Ordinance of 1958 now includes severe penalties for those involved in the begging mafia. A leader of a beggar gang can face a prison sentence ranging from three to eight years, with an additional two years added if fines remain unpaid. Moreover, individuals convicted under these provisions could face fines of up to Rs 500,000.
It was further stipulated that repeat offenders would receive double the initial sentence and fines, thereby reinforcing the province’s commitment to tackling organized begging. This decision reflects the authorities’ resolve to dismantle the networks that exploit vulnerable individuals for profit.
These recommendations, having been reviewed and approved by the relevant committee, have been forwarded to the Punjab cabinet for final approval. The new provisions underscore the government’s intention to combat begging through more stringent enforcement and legal deterrents.
In addition to the legal amendments, these measures are expected to act as a strong deterrent against organized begging networks operating within Punjab. By imposing harsher penalties and making the offence non-bailable, the government aims to significantly reduce the prevalence of begging in the province. The amendments reflect a broader effort to address social issues by targeting the root causes and holding those responsible accountable for exploiting the disadvantaged.
