Ahmedabad: Giving alms to a beggar? You may want to think again. Although altruistic, the gesture could soon become a punishable offence and invite strict action as it goes against authorities’ aim to make Ahmedabad a beggar-free city by 2030, the year when the city hosts the Commonwealth Games. The long-term plan is to rescue homeless people and beggars from the streets and impart vocational training to them. This programme is being implemented jointly by city police, social security department and AMC. A civic official said authorities are deciding the penalty and punishment for giving alms.“The police and social security department hold the primary role here. The first phase focuses on rescue; the second involves providing shelter and livelihood training, and the third phase will focus on creating awareness among citizens giving alms and taking action against them,” he added.“Three NGOs have been empanelled to survey the city for active begging spots. So far, 186 spots have been identified. Banners and boards announcing that begging or giving alms is an offense have been put up at these locations,” the official said.On April 9, 2026, AMC added beggar rescue calls to its helpline 155303 to allow citizens to report homeless individuals. This was a first for Gujarat, and 39 calls have been received so far and 732 beggars have been rescued from various parts of the city.The official said, “A provision to make Ahmedabad beggar-free by 2030 was made in the 2025-26 AMC budget. The standing committee approved the plan under ministry of social justice and empowerment’s SMILE project.”According to the AMC official, the Centre will grant Rs 55.80 lakh for the first year and Rs 50 lakh annually from the subsequent year. “At the dedicated shelter home, attempts will be made to help 100 beggars leave begging by teaching them vocational skills,” the official said.
