A Socio-Demographic Study of Beggars at The Magh Mela in Prayagraj: Awareness, Perceptions, and Challenges

This study investigates the socio-demographic profile, awareness levels, perception of beggars, and challenges faced by beggars at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This study is based on 100 respondents, collected through an interview schedule. The study reveals that most of the beggars come from poor and marginalized communities like Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. Most participants have no formal education and engage in begging regularly due to poverty, joblessness, and lack of health. Some are aware of government welfare programs such as Ayushman Bharat and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, but many are uninformed and unable to access these schemes. The study also explains the harsh conditions of beggars. This study also focuses on the perception of the beggars. A large number of children and young individuals were also involved in begging. The study suggests that the government should provide mobile education, better welfare services, and rehabilitation programs to improve the living conditions of this vulnerable group.