An Empirical Study in the Context of Socio-Cultural Determinants of Beggars in the City of Kolkata: A Need for Reforms

The purpose of the study is to understand in the present scenario what are the social and economic factors behind begging in a metro city. Without understanding the root cause it’s not possible to handle and manage the problem. To find the source of the problem researchers held discussions with the NGOs who have considerable experience in working in slum areas. As before this study, no report has been found on Kolkata to understand the demographic characteristics of beggars. A structured questionnaire was developed and localities like Sealdah station, Park Circus, Kalighat, etc. have been chosen keeping in mind the safety and security of the field surveyor as most of these areas are infested by several unlawful activities. Convenience sampling was done, and responses from 124 beggars were considered for the final study. The study reveals significant gender disparities, with females constituting 58.06% of beggars which is not as per the data from the rest of the country. Age distribution indicates a higher prevalence of older individuals, with 53% aged 50 and above. While 31% were under the working age group or we can term them as professional beggars. Educational attainment is not 227 below, with 70.96% uneducated. Living conditions are dire, with 33.87% residing on footpaths and significant numbers at railway stations and religious premises. Income analysis shows that most beggars earn between rupees 100 to rupees 250 per day, below the national minimum wage. Regression analyses indicate that gender and religion significantly impact begging income, while educational qualifications do not. The study concludes that Kolkata’s beggars’ socio-economic status has remained largely unchanged over the years, highlighting the need for targeted social policies and reintegration programs. Providing education and job skill training, social reintegration, awareness of social welfare schemes, and government assistance can help to reform the existing structure and bring these people into the mainstream of life.