Beautification Ahead of G20 Summit: Is it a crime to be poor?

POONAM MAYANI

Nagpur, India – One of the key areas of focus while G20 has been beautification, with officials keen to show off the best the city has to offer.

The city of Nagpur has taken a firm stance against begging by imposing a ban on the practice. The decision was made by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) after complaints from local residents about the rise in the number of beggars on the streets.

Is it a crime to be poor?

অসমৰ সংবাদ জগতৰ ঐতিহাসিক খতিয়ান !

November 14, 2025

শ্ৰীমন্ত শংকৰদেৱৰ গৰিমাৰে মণ্ডিত কোচবিহাৰৰ ৰাস

November 14, 2025

ভট্টদেৱ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ৰ অংশীদাৰী মহাবিদ্যালয় হিচাপে আৰম্ভ হওক বজালী মহাবিদ্যালয়

November 10, 2025

This is a question that has been asked by many, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet. Poverty is a complex issue that affects millions of people around the world. While being poor is not a crime, the effects of poverty can lead to criminal behavior.

The ban was announced by the NMC commissioner, who stated that begging is a violation of the law and is an offense that will not be tolerated. Those caught begging will be fined and may face imprisonment.

The move has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some have applauded the decision, stating that the ban will help to reduce the number of beggars on the streets and will encourage people to find alternative means of earning a living.

Others, however, have criticized the ban, arguing that it will only exacerbate the problem of poverty and homelessness.

Nagpur has a population of over 2.4 million people, and poverty and homelessness are significant issues in the city.

Beautification Ahead of G20 Summit: Is it a crime to be poor? — Nagpur

The ban on begging has been implemented in an effort to tackle these problems, but some argue that it is a short-sighted solution that does not address the root causes of poverty.

Many advocates for the poor and homeless have called for the government to provide more support for those in need, such as access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

They argue that by addressing the root causes of poverty, the need for begging will decrease naturally.

According to a report by the United Nations, poverty is the main cause of crime and violence in many parts of the world.

People who are poor are more likely to engage in criminal behavior as a means of survival.

This could include theft, drug trafficking, or even prostitution.

In many cases, these individuals have few opportunities to improve their economic situation, and thus turn to illegal activities as a means of making ends meet.

In addition to being more likely to engage in criminal behavior, people who are poor are also more likely to be targeted by law enforcement. This is due to the fact that poverty is often associated with certain types of criminal activity.

For example, individuals who are homeless or living in poverty are more likely to be arrested for petty crimes such as loitering or vagrancy.

While being poor is not a crime, poverty is often criminalized in many parts of the world. Laws that criminalize activities such as begging, sleeping in public, or loitering are often used to target individuals who are poor. These laws are often used as a means of social control, rather than addressing the root causes of poverty.

One of the most controversial ways in which poverty is criminalized is through the use of debtors’ prisons. Debtors’ prisons are institutions in which individuals who are unable to pay their debts are incarcerated. These institutions have been widely criticized for their inhumane conditions, as well as their failure to address the root causes of poverty.

Despite the criticism, the NMC has stood by its decision, stating that it is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Nagpur. The ban on begging is just one step in a larger plan to address poverty and homelessness in the city.

Overall, the ban on begging in Nagpur has sparked a debate about the best way to address poverty and homelessness in India. While some support the ban as a necessary measure to reduce the number of beggars on the streets, others argue that it is a short-sighted solution that does not address the root causes of poverty. The debate is likely to continue as the city and the country grapple with the issue of poverty and inequality.

Poverty is a complex issue that affects millions of people around the world.

While poverty can lead to criminal behavior, it is important to address the root causes of poverty rather than criminalizing poverty itself.

Laws that criminalize poverty only serve to perpetuate the cycle of poverty and do little to address the underlying issues.

As a society, we must work to address poverty and create opportunities for all individuals to thrive.

[Poonam Mayani is from Pune. Images from different sources]

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