“Goa’s image as a prosperous tourism destination often masks a troubling reality. At traffic junctions, markets, religious sites, beaches and tourist hotspots, the same groups of beggars appear repeatedly, often transported from one location to another. Residents and tourists alike have observed patterns that suggest coordination rather than desperation alone. This does not mean every person seeking alms is part of a racket. Genuine poverty exists and deserves empathy. Yet it would be naïve to ignore the possibility that vulnerable individuals, including women, the elderly and even children, are being exploited by organised networks that profit from public sympathy.
The challenge is that the state has often treated begging either as a law-and-order issue or as a welfare issue. In reality, it is both.”
The recent observation before the High Court that there are no native Goan beggars and that most beggars arrive from outside the state during peak tourist seasons has once again brought public attention to a long standing issue. Whether every individual on Goa’s streets is local or from elsewhere is ultimately a secondary question. The real concern is that begging in many parts of Goa has evolved beyond isolated poverty and, in several instances, appears to operate as a systematic and organised activity.
Goa’s image as a prosperous tourism destination often masks a troubling reality. At traffic junctions, markets, religious sites, beaches and tourist hotspots, the same groups of beggars appear repeatedly, often transported from one location to another. Residents and tourists alike have observed patterns that suggest coordination rather than desperation alone. This does not mean every person seeking alms is part of a racket. Genuine poverty exists and deserves empathy. Yet it would be naïve to ignore the possibility that vulnerable individuals, including women, the elderly and even children, are being exploited by organised networks that profit from public sympathy.
The challenge is that the state has often treated begging either as a law and order issue or as a welfare issue. In reality, it is both. Arresting or removing beggars from public spaces without addressing the forces that place them there merely shifts the problem from one location to another. At the same time, turning a blind eye in the name of compassion allows criminal networks to flourish.
The first remedy is intelligence driven enforcement. The police, municipal authorities and social welfare departments must work together to identify patterns. Where do these groups come from? Who transports them? Who collects their earnings? Are children being used as tools to increase public sympathy? These questions require systematic investigation rather than sporadic drives conducted before major events or tourist seasons.
Second, Goa must establish a dedicated anti trafficking and anti exploitation mechanism focused on organised begging. Across India, investigations have uncovered cases where vulnerable people were recruited, coerced or trafficked into begging. If such elements exist in Goa, the state must target the organisers rather than the victims. The masterminds behind these operations should face stringent legal consequences.
Third, rehabilitation must become central to policy. A person rescued from a begging network should not simply be relocated and forgotten. Shelters, counselling, skill development programmes and employment opportunities are essential. NGOs with proven expertise can play a crucial role in helping vulnerable individuals reintegrate into society. The High Court’s suggestion of involving civil society organisations is therefore both practical and necessary.
Public awareness is equally important. Citizens and tourists often give money out of genuine concern. However, indiscriminate cash donations can unintentionally sustain organised rackets. Instead, visitors should be encouraged to support recognised charities, shelters and community welfare initiatives. Compassion should reach those in need, not those who exploit them.
Technology can also help. CCTV surveillance at major tourist locations, data sharing among departments and periodic audits of identified hotspots can provide valuable insights into recurring patterns. Goa, which prides itself on being a modern tourism destination, should employ modern tools to address a persistent social challenge.
Most importantly, policymakers must avoid framing the issue in regional terms. The problem is not whether a beggar is Goan or non Goan. Poverty, exploitation and trafficking do not recognise state boundaries. A person forced into begging remains a victim regardless of origin. The objective should be to dismantle exploitation networks while protecting human dignity.
Goa’s success as a tourism destination depends not only on beautiful beaches and vibrant culture but also on safe and well managed public spaces. The state owes it to its residents, visitors and vulnerable populations to address organised begging with seriousness and sensitivity.
The solution lies neither in denial nor in indiscriminate crackdowns. It lies in a balanced strategy of enforcement, rehabilitation and public awareness. If Goa can combine these elements effectively, it can root out organised begging rackets while ensuring that genuine human suffering receives the support and dignity it deserves.
