Begging should be banned

Yes

Cycle of poverty

Begging often perpetuates a cycle of poverty and dependence. Rather than provide a long-term solution, begging can enable harmful behaviours such as substance abuse. Banning begging can encourage individuals to seek help from social services and rehabilitation programmes.

Saumili MukherjjiClass XII, Auxilium Convent School, Bandel

Beggars all

All of us are beggars somehow, some ask for money and others for power, love, comfort. If the literal meaning is considered then one must not forget that beggars cannot be choosers. Begging for sustenance is not wrong but for materialistic gain is and must be banned.

Adrija MondalClass XII, Kalyani Central Model School, Kalyani

Vocational training

Beggars should be given vocational training so that they can develop an alternate means of earning. Where we boast of the improved quality of living and the umpteen advances in various areas including technology, it is heart-rending to see the other half asking for alms.

Harsh NathaniThird year, The Bhowanipur Education Society College, Calcutta

Encourages laziness

Begging encourages laziness and dependence on others and kills enterprise. It also demeans human dignity. It leads to idle, non-productive citizens who are a burden on society and the nation.

Rishita SinhaClass IX, India International School, Asansol  

Two kinds

In the field of begging, there exists two kinds — the physically unfit ones who think they have no choice but to beg and physically fit but lazy people. But if elderly men hawk ayurvedic medicine or toffees and teenagers can show magic tricks in public transport to earn, the physically-fit beggar too can earn an honest living.

Moubani PaulSecond year, Bijoy Krishna Girls College, Howrah 

NO

A reminder

Begging should not be banned because the sight of beggars in public places like streets serves as a reminder that we are not doing enough to address the problem of extreme poverty.

Abhijoy Prabal First year, St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta