Aizawl, August 28, 2025 – The Mizoram Legislative Assembly has approved the Mizoram Prohibition of Beggary Bill, 2025, a landmark law that outlaws public begging across the state. Simultaneously, it introduces a unique welfare framework aimed at rehabilitating those caught in extreme poverty.
Ban with a Purpose
Unveiling the bill, Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii stressed that the law is not merely punitive. Instead, it strives to provide sustainable means of livelihood for beggars, helping them rebuild dignity and self-reliance. Despite currently low begging numbers—thanks to the influence of churches, welfare schemes, and NGOs—the government fears that the upcoming Bairabi–Sairang (Sairang-Sihhmui) railway line, set to be inaugurated on September 13 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, could attract an influx of beggars from outside the state.
Relief Board & Receiving Centres
To manage this, the bill mandates the creation of a state-level relief board. This body will oversee temporary “receiving centres” where beggars are brought in, assessed, and either offered livelihoods support or returned to their native places—all within 24 hours of arrival. A survey by the Social Welfare Department has identified over 30 beggars, many from outside Mizoram, in Aizawl and nearby areas—highlighting the urgency of regulatory safeguards.Australia India NewsNagaland PostThe Financial Express
Debate and Dissent
The bill witnessed heated discussion. Leader of Opposition and MNF legislator Lalchhandama Ralte raised concerns that outright prohibition contradicts Christian doctrines of compassion, warning it could damage the state’s moral reputation. He called for grassroots, community-led solutions instead of legal bans.
Government’s Humane Pitch
Responding to critics, Chief Minister Lalduhoma framed the legislation as inherently humane. He emphasized that the intention is to support—not punish—the vulnerable, through collaboration with churches, NGOs, and social programs to ensure help reaches those in need, while preserving public order.Australia India NewsThe Logical IndianHindustan Times
Wider Context and Significance
Mizoram may now be the first state in India to legally ban begging under such a structured rehabilitative model. The combination of prohibition with support—through formal mechanisms—marks a unique approach in the nation’s efforts to address poverty and public order.Dynamite NewsThe Logical Indian
What’s Next?
The coming weeks will be critical. The relief board will start forming and operationalizing receiving centres. As the rail line opens in mid-September, authorities will watch whether the measures effectively prevent a rise in begging while offering genuine lifelines to those in need.
Conclusion
By criminalizing begging while also building a framework of compassionate rehabilitation, Mizoram is betting on prevention through support rather than punishment alone. Whether this pioneering law succeeds in balancing order with empathy will depend on execution, oversight, and the extent to which beggars are truly offered dignified alternatives.
