Begging is prohibited by law in India. But surprisingly, still our country is full of beggars whom we meet wherever we go. We find beggars in streets, outside railway stations, at bus stands, outside temples and other religious places, etc. These beggars may be seen mostly in groups.
Sometimes individual men, women and children may also be seen begging. Some beggars are blind or they suffer from some other disability. Now, some efforts are being made by the government to reserve seats for the disabled for employment purposes and to give them other facilities, so that they do not become a burden on society and have not to beg.
It is, however, the Indian sentiment of compassion and mercy which keeps many beggars in the dubious profession. People give them alms liberally, and most surprisingly, even when they grudge or shirk providing good facilities and comforts to their own old parents or poor relatives.
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There may be many cheats, swindlers, robbers, thieves, burglars and pickpockets in the garb of beggars. They beg during the day and indulge in their heinous activities at night. The beggars sometimes sing hymns and sometimes film songs in their hoarse voices in buses and trains in spite of the ban.
Sometimes, journey becomes a nightmare when one is frequently pestered by these beggars. All fake beggars should be sternly dealt with. Others should be provided jobs most suited to them.