“The two MBAs were trained in systems and secured placements with Software Solutions in Autonagar. Similarly, two degree holders were employed as teachers in Miryalaguda and Nalgonda,” said M Anil Kumar, Project Director of HCSWS, speaking to TNIE. The project has established separate homes for women in Sitaramapuram and men in Hanumanpet.
Three rescued children were handed over to the Child Welfare Board (CWB), while four senior citizens were moved to old age homes.
Additionally, 72 individuals have been reunited with their families, while others have received training in trades such as plumbing, electrical work, mechanics, and baking. Most of the beggars come from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, as well as tribal areas in Telangana.
“On Monday, we rescued 11 people from the Benz Circle area. Two of them were pensioners from the NTR district, and we had to involve the police to relocate them for counselling,” said GS Sujatha, technical expert at MEPMA.
Despite the progress, challenges persist. “Many beggars resist being taken to shelters, and locals who offer food on the streets hinder rehabilitation efforts. We urge citizens to provide food at shelters and inform us about beggars in their areas,” said JS Anand, founder of HCSWS.
For information about beggars, citizens can call 9849468857. Officials emphasised that making Vijayawada beggar-free is a collective responsibility, requiring community support and cooperation.
