September 1, 2025

Bombay, August 31: The Maharashtra Government’s special study panel has stepped in with bold ideas to solve the city’s growing begging problem! Their key suggestion? A work-permit system that controls who can come to Bombay to work. Why? Because every day, about 300 families — that’s 1500 people! — enter the city, many of whom are professional beggars. This panel didn’t stop there. They split beggars into three groups: casual, professional, and diseased. Each group needs a different kind of help — from relief and punishment to medical treatment. The report also calls for big-picture moves like a uniform Central law, a State-level action committee, and a special Central fund to battle this deeply social and economic problem. And here’s a spicy twist: the panel wants the Maharashtra Government to put a tiny surcharge — just five paise — on every bus ticket over 25 paise sold by BEST, Bombay’s Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking. This money will flow straight into the Central fund to help these efforts. The report calls the work-permit system a "radical remedy" for a "radical situation" caused by the constant crowding in Bombay. The city is already "croaking and groaning" under pressure, struggling with heavy pollution. This pollution brings serious health problems like bronchitis, eye troubles, and skin diseases. So, the message is clear: Without smart control and care, Bombay’s problems will only get spicier. Will this new plan bring relief and order to the bustling city streets? Time will tell, but the Maharashtra Government is ready to take action now!

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Tags: Maharashtra government, Begging problem, Work-permit system, Bombay influx, Public health, Best surcharge,