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Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Places of worship, not traffic signals, hot spots for beggars in Lucknow: Survey
LUCKNOW Contrary to perception, only a small percentage of beggars (2%) relies on traffic signals for their income. Temples and mosques are the primary locations where they receive alms, along with food and clothes, reveals a social organization's survey. According to the report, 2,411 people were found to be engaged in begging at 101 locations in eight zones of Lucknow. (File Photo) As many as 30% of the beggars target temples and mosques while a mere 2% use traffic signals, 1% use bus stops and 23% use all three places for seeking alms. Three per cent use both traffic signals and bus stops, 15% use traffic signals and temples/mosques, 25% use both bus stops and temples/mosques and around 3% do not have any fixed place for begging. They largely get cash in alms but also get ready-to-eat items, fruits, sweets, clothes, etc, on different occasions, as per the report by social organisation 'Badlav' that was handed over to minister of state for social welfare Asim Arun on Sunday. 'Religious places are hot spots for beggars as people go there with a sense of devotion and donation in the name of is why it becomes easier for beggars to get alms. We will raise the issue with the district administration and request them for anti-beggary drives outside religious places as well,' said Sharad Patel, director of 'Badlav'. The minister wrote on his X account: 'Yogiji is emphasizing on Zero Poverty Campaign and NGOs can be of great help in this. Today, I attended the presentation programme of the survey report (2024-25) based on 'Status of people involved in begging in Lucknow: Neglect and Inclusion' by NGO Badlaav in Lucknow. Such grassroots level surveys reveal the ground reality and help the government in policy making.' The objective of the study was to ascertain the number of people engaged in begging and understand the socio-economic status of these people. According to the report, 2,411 people were found to be engaged in begging at 101 locations in eight zones of Lucknow. As many as 97% of people engaged in begging are from 44 districts of UP, out of which the majority are from Lucknow and four neighbouring districts, including Barabanki, Hardoi, Sitapur and Unnao. The report also suggests that 3% among these people are widows, 3% are physically challenged and 11% senior citizens. Among the identified three categories of vulnerable people, 13% are receiving widow pensions, 40% are receiving disability pensions and 5% are receiving old-age pensions. As per the survey findings, one or more family members of 64% are engaged in the act of begging, whereas 36% are the only people who are in the act of begging in their family. All members of 22% of people, mothers of 41% of people and both parents of 20% of people are engaged in the act of begging. Shelter is a big issue for people engaged in begging, where around 38% of people have to spend their nights on the footway, 52% have small huts, 2% have kuccha houses, 5% live in pucca houses, 3% reside in rental spaces, suggests the report. District social welfare officer (Lucknow) Anjani Singh said the department will take note of the findings of the report and strategise accordingly. 'We are yet to receive a detailed report about the findings. Once we study the report, we will ensure that people involved in begging get benefits of government schemes and are brought into the mainstream of society. We will also ensure that kids engaged in begging get enrolled in schools,' emphasised. The survey report also revealed that the income of people engaged in begging is largely dependent on festivals and weather, where during extreme summer, winter and rainy seasons, they have to struggle to meet their daily needs. The daily income of 18% of these is below ₹50 per day, 32% is between ₹51 to ₹100 per day, 35% is between ₹101 and ₹200, 12% is between ₹201 and ₹300, whereas 2% of people earn more than ₹301 per day, claims the report. Around 33% of these people do not have any identity proof, 64% have an Aadhaar card, 30% have a ration card, 3% have a driving licence as well, and 1% have all three documents. At the same time, among people having ration cards, 80% are receiving rations for their families, it added. The majority (75%) of people do not have a bank account, which makes them vulnerable, as they cannot even save their earned income in a bank, which may provide safety during a crisis, suggested the report. District Magistrate Vishak G said a drive will be conducted outside religious places, not just to curb beggary, but also to provide support and rehabilitation to destitute people and those who don't have any support system. 'Organised child beggary is mainly done at intersections and busy streets, while at religious places there are many old people also who don't have any support system and are rescued by social organisations,' he said. 'Earlier in the anti-beggary drive, we covered intersections primarily because we found child beggars there. In the second phase, we will cover other places including religious sites with the help of social organisations. More than 100 people were rescued in the past from such sites with the help of social organisation 'Apna Ghar Ashram'. We will be calling them again and places of worship, along with hospitals, will be covered. People who need help genuinely, will be rehabilitated. Also, kids involved in begging will be enrolled in schools,' added the DM.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Slow-paced life rooted in nature, relationships need of the hour'
Lucknow: In an age defined by speed, digital overload, and social disconnection, a thoughtful gathering at the Police Officers' Mess on Sapru Marg offered a rare pause — a chance to reflect on the timeless relevance of slow living and ancient wisdom. Bringing together around a hundred thinkers, writers, civil servants, and community leaders, the session explored the value of traditional knowledge systems and the joys of a simpler life. Hosted by former DG, CRPF, AP Maheshwari, the event was attended by social welfare minister (independent charge) Asim Arun, historian Ravi Bhatt, senior journalist Naveen Joshi, Metaphor LitFest director Kanak Rekha Chauhan, former IAF officer Air Marshal Amit Tiwari, Dr Sandeep Kapoor, Prabha Srivastava, and Captain Paritosh Chauhan. Minister Asim Arun advocated blending of progressive old values with modern democratic tools like social media. Bhatt highlighted the importance of meaningful usage over material possession. Maheshwari introduced the concept of 'manthar gati' — the slow rhythm of life — advocating for a lifestyle grounded in nature, deep relationships, and intentional living. Highlighting the power of memory and value inheritance, Padma Shri Vidya Bindu Singh spoke about how mundane objects — a simple meal, a clay pot, or a piece of cloth — carry profound emotional significance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She lamented how the younger generation, overwhelmed by speed and screens, often misses the oral traditions and emotional legacy handed down through generations. Naveen Joshi echoed this sentiment, saying, "There was a way of life back then — one of simplicity, laughter, anger, love, and most importantly, acceptance. My father always said that one should seek forgiveness and learn to forgive. That became a guiding principle for us." Kanak Rekha Chauhan remembered the everyday joys that once defined domestic life — shared meals, family conversations, and cooperative tasks. Drawing from the teachings of saints like Kabir, Meera, and Tulsidas, the session gave the message that true fulfilment comes not from speed but from stillness, compassion, and values that span generations. The event also featured traditional Rajasthani cuisine — particularly 'ker sangri' — which underscored the theme of reconnecting with cultural roots. The occasion marked the launch of 'The Kishangarh Boy', co-authored by AP Maheshwari and Vinita Chandak, along with its Hindi counterpart 'Teen Mein Na Terah Mein'.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘Govt improving scholarship distribution'
1 2 Lucknow: The state govt on Saturday reviewed 18 key challenges to improve scholarship distribution. These include the requirement for fresh applications every year, delays in exam results, varying eligibility criteria across communities, arbitrary fee structures by private universities, weak monitoring systems, transaction failures and challenges faced by students studying outside the state. "CM is determined to ensure that no eligible student is deprived of education due to lack of money. The govt is committed to making scholarship schemes simpler, transparent and effective," minister of state for social welfare Asim Arun said. He said the rules will soon be updated so that more students can benefit. A unified portal and a digital monitoring system will make the application process easier. All departments concerned have agreed on creating uniform and transparent standards. "A proposal has also been made to link the scholarship system with the Family ID to make eligibility verification easier and prevent fraud. Additionally, awareness campaigns will be launched to make sure students are well-informed about the schemes," he added. Officials informed that the social welfare department is spearheading the development of an advanced integrated portal that would feature real-time notifications, and online document verification. Additionally, a facial recognition-based attendance system will be introduced to ensure only genuine beneficiaries receive support. The scholarship schemes are designed to give equal opportunities to students from SC, ST, OBC, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
India Today
02-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
UP minister refuses to use vehicle with illegal lights, asks cop to issue challan
Uttar Pradesh's Minister of State for Social Welfare (Independent Charge), Asim Arun, refused to use an official vehicle fitted with unauthorised lights during his visit to Varanasi on noticing the unauthorised modifications, Minister Arun immediately declined to use the vehicle and wrote a formal letter to the Police Commissioner of Varanasi, recommending a challan (fine) against the vehicle, bearing registration number UP 65 QT 9650, was assigned for his official use. The minister also included photographic evidence showing the illegal 'Please be informed that on the occasion of my arrival in Varanasi on June 30, a vehicle was arranged for my use. Since the vehicle was fitted with an unauthorised light, I did not use it,' the minister's letter issued to the Varanasi Police Commissioner read."Please ensure that a challan is issued against this vehicle for violating the rules by using an unauthorised beacon," he added with an attached photo of the vehicle and number. In his letter, the minister said that it is important to uphold traffic rules, even in cases involving government Arun was in Varanasi earlier this week to attend the Anusuchit Jaati evam Janjaati Swabhimaan Sammelan (SC/ST Dignity Conference), organised by the Uttar Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Committee at Kabir Inter College Ground, Bhullanpur, on the 94th birth anniversary of social worker Narendra Kumar also attended a meeting at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Uttar Pradesh
News18
02-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
UP Minister Refuses To Use Car Fitted With Unauthorised Beacon, Urges Cops To Issue Challan
Last Updated: The minister declined to use the government-assigned Innova car after finding it fitted with a beacon light without due authorisation. In an unusual incident, Uttar Pradesh minister Asim Arun on Monday refused to use a vehicle fitted with an unauthorised blue beacon during his visit to Varanasi. This was not it, he even reported the matter to the police and sought appropriate action and asked for a challan. The minister of state (independent charge) for social welfare, a former IPS officer, declined to use the government-assigned Innova car after finding it fitted with a beacon light without due authorisation. In a letter to Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal, the minister wrote, 'Please be informed that on the occasion of my arrival in Varanasi on June 30, a vehicle was arranged for my use. Since the vehicle was fitted with an unauthorised light, I did not use it." 'Please ensure that a challan is issued against this vehicle for violating the rules by using an unauthorised beacon," he added attaching the vehicle details and a photo, reported news agency PTI. Arun was in Varanasi to attend the Anusuchit Jaati evam Janjaati Swabhimaan Sammelan (SC/ST Dignity Conference), organised by the Uttar Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Committee at Kabir Inter College Ground, Bhullanpur, on the 94th birth anniversary of social worker Narendra Kumar Shastri. He also attended a meeting at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). First Published: July 02, 2025, 09:56 IST
