Surat beggars turn choosers as govt gives them jobs

Surat: Sixty-five-year-old Babudas is enjoying the fruits of his labour by selling fruits and vegetables grown by him. But just six months ago, he was begging on the streets of Surat, often shooed away by people.

“It feels good to work and earn a living. Also people now respect me which I did not experience as a beggar,” Babudas said.

Babubas is not the only one who has been pulled out from the streets and given a chance to earn a living.

Durgadas, a beggar-turned-farmer said, “I now realise that hard work and earning your bread is far better than begging. It’s nice to have people speak to you with respect."

A unique initiative of the Receiving Centre for Beggars or Bhikshuk Gruh, run by the state government is helping people like Durgadas and Babudas to earn their living.

Today, there are about 150 beggars who are being guided on how to earn their living. Each of them is paid Rs 30 a day and the profits they make by selling their produce are distributed equally.

“We have even opened bank accounts for them so that they can save their money. The profits they earn are distributed equally,” Superintendent of Bhikshuk Gruh Dina Patel said.

The novel effort has brought about a sea change in the city, which can now boast of having fewer beggars at the crossings.

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