An Inquiry into the Socio Economic Conditions of Beggars in Guwahati City

Abstract

Begging though time immemorial is an extreme form of poverty. In a developing country like India where there are about 400 thousand beggars it becomes important to analyse why such a large population divert towards this disrespectable means of survival. In response we study the demographic, social and economic profile of beggars in Guwahati city, Assam. In case of beggars, we find that demographic profile does not solely have a meaning. But it narrates important causation when studied along social and economic profile. Again we view that social profile of beggar is a much more important determinant in their life rather than economic profile. Elements like identification and starting age of begging are important when it comes to eradication of beggary.