LUCKNOW, Feb. 6 -- The newly appointed District Magistrate, Vishak G. Nair, has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at making Lucknow a beggar-free city. Despite numerous efforts by previous administrations, begging continues to be a prevalent issue at prominent intersections like Hazratganj, Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, and Lal Batti Crossing near Bandariya Bagh. Nair's campaign aims to tackle the challenges that past initiatives could not overcome, particularly the lack of coordination between various departments.

The DM's plan focuses on providing children from begging families with access to free, compulsory education as mandated by the government.

Notably, a joint survey conducted in October 2024 by DUDA, the municipal corporation,...