Andhra Pradesh Government introduced a new scheme to ensure beggars stay away from the Godavari Pushkhar Ghats so that Pilgrims will have an hassle-free holy dip. Beggars were offered Rs 5,000 each and free food as compensation during the 12-days Maha Pushkaralu.
However, The Godavari Pushkaram Organising Committee (GPOC) faced unexpected problem in the form of fake beggars. Over 1,000 people claiming to be beggars have been seeking reimbursement.
As per the rules, Only Beggars without Ration Cards and non-beneficiaries of Government's welfare schemes are eligible to claim Rs 5,000. Until now, Officials have identified 200 beggars until now upon throughly checking their fingerprints. All of them will be paid Rs 5,000 at the end of Godavari Pushkaralu on condition that they don't cause any sort of disruption at Ghats.
Of course, This isn't the first time Chandrababu Naidu implemented beggar reimbursement scheme. Beggars were shifted from Hyderabad to rehabilitation centre during US President Bill Clinton's visit in 2000.
