The Beggars During the COVID-19 in India: Marginality, (In)visibility and the Role of Civil Society

Abstract

A sizable number of beggars are visible on Indian streets and public places, but because they hardly have any bargaining power, the administration appears reluctant to assist the beggars to build their capacity. As a result, beggars are largely invisible in discussions on public policy. Since beggars from lower castes and Dalits make up a bigger percentage of the population than beggars from upper castes and since they cannot raise their voice against their marginality, the case of beggars may also be viewed through the lens of Dalit and subaltern perspectives. Even though the Delhi High Court decriminalized begging in 2018, it still carries a negative social stigma. The COVID-19 lockdown in India put the lives of beggars in danger. The governments mostly failed to offer social security to beggars throughout the lockdown, notwithstanding certain efforts that had been made. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which are a part of civil society, have had more success than the governments in resolving the tragic situation of beggars. Despite the fact that both the government and NGOs must build up their infrastructure, the government has a greater obligation to ensure the well-being of beggars.