Amaravati, March 13, 2026: Poverty, displacement from development projects, and restrictive social norms continue to drive begging in Andhra Pradesh urban areas. In Vijayawada, members of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group Chenchu often resort to seeking alms after floods and low traditional incomes like fishing leave families in debt.
Women face community fines for outside work, adding to the pressure. A recent survey in Vijayawada identified around 1,867 beggars, with hundreds rehabilitated under the central SMILE scheme through rescue, training, and shelter.
However, gaps remain in funding, shelter capacity, and addressing root causes like tribal migration to cities.
