Delhi's graduate beggars earn Rs 500 a day

Press Trust of India
Monday, December 22, 2008, (New Delhi)

At least four of Delhi's several thousand beggars are post-graduates while six of them hold graduate degrees, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.

A survey on about 3,500 beggars, conducted by Department of Social Work, University of Delhi on the directions of Delhi government, has revealed that four beggars are degree holders, six have completed college courses and many of them earn around Rs 500 a day which is higher that what several "blue and white collar" workers make.

"Out of surveyed beggars, six were found to be graduates and 4 were post-graduates. As per report, twenty two beggars earn between Rs 200 to Rs 500 per day," Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Subbulakshmi Jagadeeshan said in a written reply.

"As per figures collected from different areas at different times, the average number of beggars in Delhi is 58,570," the Minister said. more