Begging: a profession of many in many countries such as India!

Begging is imploring others to give money, food, or favor with no reciprocation. The person is called a beggar. They are spotted in public places, supermarkets, parks, outside restaurants, busy roads, religious areas and the like. In countries such as India, they are commonplace and are also criminals in disguise of beggars. They try to use weaknesses of people and are also around hospitals. This has become a profession in India and wrong beliefs of people, improper laws, and its poor implementation nurtures it.

Nowadays, internet begging is increasing and donations are solicited via internet and not in person.

Begging and countries

The Greeks divided them into active poor and passive poor. The former group worked but the job did not pay enough for the basic living. And passive poor were jobless and entirely dependent on society for a living. In Britain, these were usually vagabonds or homeless people. At early times, they formed as much of a quarter of the population in the UK and France. Britain made laws on it and the beggars could only be those who had severe handicaps and unable to work. Workhouses and welfare homes were built for them and state funds used on them.

In olden times in India, begging was incorporated into the social structure. But these days, these are professional beggars who refuse to work because they earn by begging and no work. They use all sorts of tricks to gain people's sympathy. Some even discolor and maim (fake or true) themselves for it. Child and women are used for pity and as a bait. The Congress government had opened homes and workhouses for them but the beggars all ran away from there. In China, it was there in olden days. Besides, beggar chiefs were also common then.

Begging with a child (Source: Tripsavvy)

Religious begging

It is seen in all religions. Donations outside religious places everyday and also during specific days are common. Gautam Buddha himself lived on alms. It is supposed to help the Laity get religious merit but this is arguable.

Read here: Vipassana and its absurdity

Except for authentic reasons, begging should be discouraged. Money for work should be universal for all except the incapacitated and aged group and children. Religion should not be made a pretext to allow begging. It is detrimental to society and speaks of lack of self-respect in its citizens.

Laws and begging

Various laws are in place to forbid begging. But it continues unabated. In Australia, it is illegal to beg. Same holds true for Austria, Canada, Bulgaria, China, Denmark, the UK, Finland, Hungary, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania (the donor will also be tried and fined), Poland, Qatar, Romania, USA. But Belarus, Brazil, present day France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal allow it. In Ireland, passive begging is allowed and intimidating one is illegal. In India, Philippines, and Nepal, despite laws, begging is rampant. Most beggars in Nepal hail from India.

Beggars earn sometimes more money than even the poor laborers. And they pay no taxes on the begged money. This is unfair for those who toil hard to earn a livelihood. The beggars are an eyesore around restaurants and shopping areas. The government and society need to look into this and manage it properly. Those giving money to these beggars should also be made aware of the ill-consequences of their 'good' and 'noble' deeds!

Pictures of female beggars who solicit money by means of sympathy cards inside ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi