Uttarakhand has banned begging under the Uttar Pradesh Beggary Prevention Act which terms begging as an unlawful act. According to 2011 census, there are about 3000 beggars of which 274 are kids. Earlier this ban was for the religious places in Uttarakhand but now the government has implemented it all over the state. State Government has ordered to set up task forces which will comprise of Police officials and Labour, Women and Child welfare department officials. Strict actions will be taken against those who will be found giving alms to beggars and discouraging government’s practice.
Additional Secretary (Social Welfare) Manoj Chandaran said that earlier the act was only for the temples in Haridwar now it has extended to all 13 districts of the state. This Act gives rights to police to arrest people begging on the streets. By taking this action, Uttarakhand has joined other 20 states and 2 union territories which have banned begging. Till date, no strict actions are taken against people begging on the streets in Dehradun but it is expected that this action will soon show its effects.