Shillong to say no to begging from next month

Shillong, Aug 21 (PTI) Begging will be banned in this
north-eastern city of india from next month to refurbish the
image of the capital as a clean city.

"The government has decided to crack down on beggars by
making begging an offence from September 1. Action would be
taken against offenders by the Shillong Municipal Board,"
Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh said here Thursday night.

It is a part of the drive to beautify the state capital
through the 'Clean Shillong Campaign' in order to restore its
lost glory, he added.

The East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner has been asked
to crack down on beggars, even though no clear-cut guidelines
were issued on how to go about the job.

"There are a good number of beggars and pavement dwellers
in the city. Some of them are adults in poor health condition.
Moreover, there are many juveniles who roam about in the city
as beggars," he said.

A Cabinet nod is awaited to amend the Shillong Municipal
Act, 1973 through an ordinance. The proposed amendment seeks
to increase penalty against vendors and public who create
public nuisance.

"People are seen spitting and doing other things that
cause public nuisance. The penalty for such offences would be
increased from Rs 10 to Rs 200," Lyngdoh said.

Around 49 volunteers, including staff from Meghalaya
Urban Development Authority (MUDA), would be engaged in the
task. PTI RTJ
SDE
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