In a decisive move to tackle organized begging, the Punjab government has proposed amendments to The Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance of 1958, classifying the act of forcing individuals into begging as a non-bailable offense.

The amendments, presented in the Punjab Assembly, aim to significantly enhance punishments and fines to dismantle networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly children. Under the revised legislation, individuals found guilty of coercing one person into begging will face a prison sentence of three years and a fine of Rs. 300,000. If the fine is not paid, offenders will incur an additional six months of imprisonment.

For those compelling multiple individuals to beg, the penalties are even more severe, with sentences ranging from three to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs. 500,000.

The amendments introduce particularly harsh penalties for those who exploit children. Anyone found guilty of forcing a child into begging will face a prison term of five to seven years and a fine of up to Rs. 700,000. Non-payment of this fine will result in an additional year of imprisonment.

The most stringent penalties are reserved for individuals who disable children or adults to force them into begging. Such offenders will face prison sentences ranging from seven to ten years and fines of up to Rs. 2 million. Failure to pay the fine will lead to an additional two years in prison for the ringleaders of these criminal networks.