Bhubaneswar, Feb. 14 -- There are 5,284 beggars in the State currently and the Government is actively working towards becoming "beggar-free" through various initiatives, informed Nityananda Gond,Minister of ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare in the Assembly today.

Responding to a query by Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag regarding measures taken by the government to rehabilitate beggars and furnisha district-wise date of destitutes living on the streets inlcuding his constituency, Gond said various initiatives under the "Sahaya" scheme has been undertaken to identify, rehabilitate and mainstream beggars since 2017-18.

As per the survey-based data furnished by the Minister, there are currently 5,284 beggars in the State ...