The Punjab government has introduced amendments to the anti-begging law, making forced begging a non-bailable offense. The amendments were presented in the Punjab Assembly as part of efforts to crack down on organized begging networks.
According to the Home Department spokesperson, those forcing individuals to beg will face strict penalties under the new amendment. Anyone found compelling a single person to beg will be sentenced to three years, fined Rs. 300,000, or both.
Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional six-month jail term.
For those forcing multiple individuals into begging, the punishment increases to three to five years in prison with a fine of up to Rs. 500,000. If the fine is not paid, the offender will serve an additional one-year sentence.
Repeat offenders will face double the punishment outlined in the ordinance. The Punjab government has introduced these legal amendments to punish professional beggars and those running organized begging rackets.
The provincial cabinet has already approved the amendments, aiming to dismantle begging mafias in Punjab. Officials emphasize that these measures will ensure accountability and help curb the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by criminal networks.
