The 'Mizoram Begging Prohibition Bill, 2025' was passed in the Mizoram Assembly despite objections from the opposition. The bill was presented in the house by the state's Social Welfare Minister, Lalrinpuii, on Wednesday.
Aizawl: The Mizoram Assembly took a historic decision on Wednesday and passed the Begging Prohibition Bill, 2025. Under this bill, begging will be completely prohibited in the state, and along with this, arrangements for the rehabilitation and assistance of beggars will also be made. While presenting the bill, Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii stated that its objective is not just to curb begging, but also to provide stable livelihood options to beggars and to send them back safely to their native places.
Arrangement of 'Receiving' Centers for Beggars
According to the bill, the government will form a state-level 'Relief Board', which will establish 'Receiving' centers to temporarily house beggars. Beggars will first be kept in these centers and will be sent back to their homes or states within 24 hours. Minister Lalrinpuii said that the number of beggars in the state is currently very low, but the possibility of beggars arriving from other states will increase after the commencement of the Sairang-Simul Railway Station. She informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this new railway line on September 13.
The government believes that through a proper regulatory framework, the state can be kept free from beggars, and the social and economic interests of local citizens will be protected.
Opposition's Objection to the Bill
Before the bill was passed, opposition members in the assembly raised objections. Several members, including Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Lalchham Thanga Ralte, said that this bill is detrimental to Christianity and could affect the state's social prestige. They also stated that the bill could create a situation of discrimination between local and non-local beggars. Despite this, the assembly passed the bill after a long discussion. A total of 13 members participated in the discussion, including representatives from the opposition and various parties.
Minister Lalrinpuii stated that Mizoram has a b social structure, and the number of beggars is very low due to the participation of churches and NGOs. The government's aim is not to prevent beggars from living in urban areas directly, but to provide them with stable employment and livelihood opportunities.
She further explained that through the 'Relief Board' and receiving centers, beggars will receive temporary shelter and will be safely returned to their native places. This process is essential for maintaining security and social balance.
